Public Records

• OPDC may charge a fee reasonably calculated to reimburse the agency for actual costs of providing records, in accordance with the statewide policy on Public Records Requests Fees and Charges (ORS 192.324). OPDC will provide the requestor with a cost estimate and will not proceed with fulfilling the request until payment is received. 
  
• The costs associated may include locating, photocopying, reviewing, redacting, and mailing the documents. Standard fees are $0.25 per page for photocopies and $5.00 per record for certification of a public record. The first $25 to fulfill a request is typically waived. 
  
• Fees to fulfill public records requests may be waived or reduced if doing so is in the public interest. Regardless of the level of public interest, a requestor must have the ability to meaningfully disseminate the information for a request to qualify as being in the public interest.
  

• Within five (5) business days from the date you submit your request for public records, you will receive communication to let you know the status of your request. 
  
• If OPDC believes itself to be the custodian of the records you have requested, you will receive an acknowledgment letter. Most requests are completed within fifteen (15) business days; however, some requests may take longer, especially if they are large or complex. Should your request take additional time, the agency will be in contact with you. 
  
• If OPDC is unable to release the records you are requesting, or is not the custodian of the records, you will receive a denial. In this case, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the denial. 
  
• If OPDC needs additional information to proceed with your request, you will be contacted by a member of the staff. 

• Be as specific as you can in your request. This helps to ensure you receive the information you are seeking. 
• Be aware that most agencies do not have all records centralized. Often, this is due to the many different systems where records are stored, as well as the age of the records and how they are archived. 
• Although not required, providing the reason for your request will assist the records officer in determining your eligibility for a fee waiver. 
• Even if records are released to you, there may be information redacted or removed. In this case, the cover letter you receive will explain the redactions and provide you information about the statutes or rules that apply.
  
• Keep an eye on your email or voice mail. If OPDC needs additional information to process your request, they will reach out to you. Failure to respond with the necessary information may result in your request being denied. 
  

Click here for the entire Records Request Policy