Public Records Request

The Georgia Open Records Act establishes the right to inspect and/or receive public records unless they are specifically exempted from disclosure under law. The act allows for the appointment of an Open Records Officer to who all requests for records must be made.

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners has designated the County and Deputy Clerk for the Board of Commissioners as the Open Records Officer and the Alternate Open Records Officer to act in the Open Records Officer's absence.

To inspect and/or receive records, please submit your request through the Open Records Request Portal. By using this portal, you have the ability to track and monitor your public records request. All Communication will be sent directly to your email account.

After receiving your request, you will be notified within three business days if there are records responsive to your request and if the records requested are subject to release.

Responses shall include the cost to search, retrieve, copy, redact, and/or supervise inspection of the requested document(s). The costs represent the hourly rate of the lowest-paid full-time employee who has the necessary skills and training to respond to your request. There is no charge for the first 15 minutes.

Some records are not readily accessible. In these instances, a timeline will be provided as to when the records will be available.

If you have questions contact us at 706-868-3379 or email Patrice Crawley.

Visit the Public Records Center.