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Open Records Act

The County Clerk has been designated as the Freedom of Information Officer for Jefferson County by County Resolution 2000-25. An informational brochure is available at the County Clerk's office regarding access to public records.

A Citizen's Guide to Open Records at Jefferson County The Kansas Open Records Act guarantees any person the right to inspect and obtain copies of all public records, unless the records are closed consistent with specific provisions of law. Within three business days a County agency must either…
  • provide requested records;
  • inform the requester when they will be provided; or
  • state why the records cannot be provided.
    • What Jefferson County records are available? An agency is only required to provide public records that already exist. KORA does not require an agency to create a record upon request. KORA does not require an agency to interpret or analyze records, or to prepare custom reports.
    Commonly requested records include
    Appraiser
  • Real Property Characteritics
  • Sales Information on Properties
  • Personal Property Renditions
    • County Clerk
  • County Commission minutes
  • Real Estate Transfers and Ownerships
  • Registerd Voters
    • County Treasurer
  • Paid/Unpaid Taxes
  • Cancelled/Refunded Taxes
    • Register of Deeds
  • Deeds
  • Plats
    • Sheriff
  • Accident Reports
  • Theft Reports
    • Which records are "closed"?
    Certain provisions of State and Federal law require that various public records, or portions of records, remain closed, and either not be available or be restricted. Most closed records contain private information about individuals, KORA list 43 types of records that may be closed (see KSA 45-221 or the complete list), including (but not limited to):
  • Medical treatment records of individuals
  • Personnel records of County Employees
  • Records protected by attorney-client privilege or by rules of evidence.
  • Notes and preliminary drafts.
  • Criminal investigation records.
  • Correspondence with individual citizens.
  • Social Security numbers, account numbers and other private information
  • contained within records that otherwise may be disclosed.
    • How do I find out more?
    If requested, any agency will provide a copy of its "open records request procedures." If you want to learn more about the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), about how to obtain Jefferson County public records, or if you have a problem obtaining records from any Jefferson County agency, contact Jefferson County's Freedom of Information Office. If you feel any agency has wrongfully denied access to records, you have the right to file a complaint with the District Attorney or with the Kansas Attorney General.
    For more information from Jefferson County:
  • Call the Freedom of Information Officer at 785-863-2272.
  • You may e-mail questions that do not relate to a specific records request to the Freedom of Information Officer at
    • How do I request a record?
  • Prepare your request. Consult with the agency to find if the record you want is available. You will need to describe what you want in specific terms. If you're not sure which agency has the record you need, ask the Freedom of Information Officer.
  • Submit your request. Simple requests for a few current records often can be handled by telephone or in person while you wait. For more complex request, the agency may require written requests. Describe records you want as specifically as possible. The agency may provide optional form(s) for this purpose. The form is available in .pdf format by clicking on the following link: Records Request. Fill in the blanks with required and optional information, and send you request to the Freedom of Information Officer. Use of the form is encouraged, but not required.
  • Agency responds within three business days. For routine requests, agencies will produce most records within three business days. Some records may require more time to locate or produce. There may be times when your request may be denied, in whole or in part. If the request is denied, the agency must identify the records denied, and the specific legal authority for the denial. In all situations the agency will respond within three business days.
  • Questions? If you have questions or concerns about your request, contact Jefferson County's Freedom of Information Officer.
    • Linda M. Buttron, Jefferson County Clerk/Election Officer
    PO Box 321
    Oskaloosa, KS 66066
    Voice: 785-863-2272
    Fax: 785-863-3135
    Will I pay fees to get records?
    Most simple requests to inspect current records or obtain copies will not require fees. KORA allows agencies to recover actual costs required to provide you access to or copies of records. These fees are set on a agency by agency basis. Copies of the various fee schedules are available in each office and the office of the Freedom of Information Officer.
    Why Wouldn't I get records I want?
    County agencies will attempt to provide records you request. However, agencies sometimes cannot provide records because:
  • The record was never created, or cannot be found.
  • The record was destroyed in the normal course of business, consistent with County policy and State law.
  • Your original request was unclear, and you should resubmit with more detail.
  • The record is closed to protect an important privacy interest authorized by KORA (see KSA 45-221) - the agency bill briefly explain the reason and cite the specific legal provision.
    • Non-County Agencies…
    District Court offices are not part of County Government, though they are located within the Courthouse. For District Court records, contact District Court Administration 785-863-2461.