Public Records
It has been said that sunlight is the greatest disinfectant, and that information is the currency of democracy. In that spirit, and conscious of our role in safeguarding and responsibly managing public funds, we commit ourselves to making the records of this office as open for public inspection as possible.
What follows is a basic description of who can ask for public records, what constitutes a public record, and how to make requests, as well as a listing of resources requesters may find helpful.
Under Ohio law, any person may request to inspect or obtain copies of public records, from any public office that keeps those records. Unless all or part of the record is exempt from release, the office must provide inspection at no cost, and copies records at the cost of the record to the office. Arrangements for inspection or copies must be made within a reasonable period of time.
Unless the law specifies otherwise, a requester does not have to provide a reason for the request, provide his or her name, or make the request in writing. That said, however, a requester does have to be clear enough in making his or her request to reasonably identify the record he or she seeks. The office may also ask for any information it feels may assist in identifying and supplying requested records.
A “public record” is any document kept by a public office, in any form, which serves to document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office.
On this website, you will find our quarterly investment reports here. Other office records are available by contacting us during regular office hours at 330-297-3586. To help us identify requested records and supply them efficiently, we have also created a records request form, which you can print and mail to:
Portage County Treasurer
P.O. Box 1217
Ravenna, OH 44266
Resources
- Portage County Treasurer Records Policy - Our office’s complete public records policy.
- Records Retention Schedule - Listing of records maintained by the Treasurer’s Office (for our social media records retention schedule, click here).
- Ohio Historical Society Local Government Records Program - A joint program that seeks to preserve local government records of enduring historical value.
- Ohio Sunshine Law Manual - Published by the Attorney General, this document offers a robust discussion of records law.