Public Records Requests

Skagit Council of Governments (SCOG) provides access to public records under the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). All records maintained by SCOG are available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. You are entitled to access public records, under reasonable conditions.

 

In most cases, you do not have to explain why you want the records. However, specific information may be necessary to process requests. Occasionally, SCOG may require further information to establish if disclosure would violate certain provisions of law.

 

SCOG provides access to existing public records in its possession but is not required to collect information or organize data to create a record not existing at the time of the request.

 

 

MAKING A REQUEST

 

Public documents and records can be requested by emailing an online public records request form to SCOG at publicdisclosure@scog.net or mailing a public records request form to:

 

SCOG
Attention Public Records Officer
315 South Third Street, Suite #100
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

You can also hand deliver to the same address.

 

 

EXPECTATIONS

 

If a record request is made that does not use SCOG’s Records Request form, the request should contain the following information:

  • Date and time of the request
  • Name of requestor
  • Address of requestor
  • Contact information (telephone number and email address)
  • Identification of the requested public records

 

SCOG staff will respond within five business days of receipt by either:

  • Providing the record(s) for inspection and/or copying of the record after payment of any applicable fees.
  • Acknowledging receipt of the request and providing a reasonable estimate of the time necessary to respond based on the need to:
    • Request clarification of an unclear request
    • Locate and assemble the records requested
    • Notify persons or agencies affected by the request
    • Determine whether any of the records are exempt from disclosure
    • Request a deposit before duplication of records
    • Denying the request. If a request is denied, a written statement shall be provided to the requestor of the specific exemption authorizing the withholding of the record (or part) and a brief explanation of how the exemption applies to the record withheld.

 

There may be fees associated with the request for the actual costs connected with copying public records; including the staff time spent making the copies, postage or delivery costs. You will be informed of these fees when the staff responds.

 

 

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

 

If you have remaining questions, please consult the SCOG Public Records Policy or contact SCOG at info@scog.net.

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