📋 HOW TO MAKE A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST IN DELAWARE COUNTY, OHIO
Step 1: Identify What You Want
Be as specific as possible:
· What type of record? (emails, meeting minutes, contracts, reports, texts)
· Which department/official? (Commissioners, Sheriff, Auditor, Treasurer, etc.)
· What time period? (e.g., "January 2023 to March 2024")
· Who is involved? (specific officials, staff, contractors, or agencies)
Example: "All email correspondence between County Commissioners and [Contractor Name] regarding the [Project Name] from June 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023."
Step 2: Find the Right Contact
Key Contact:
· Jane Hawes, Communications Director
Email: jhawes@co.delaware.oh.us
Why: Often coordinates public records requests county-wide
Standard Delaware County Email Format:
· First initial + Last name @co.delaware.oh.us
· Examples:
· Barb Lewis (Commissioner): blewis@co.delaware.oh.us
· Gary Merrell (Commissioner): gmerrell@co.delaware.oh.us
· Jeff Benton (Commissioner): jbenton@co.delaware.oh.us
· Department emails: commissioners@co.delaware.oh.us, treasurer@co.delaware.oh.us, etc.
Step 3: Submit Your Request
Recommended: Send to Jane Hawes AND the relevant department
To: jhawes@co.delaware.oh.us, [relevant department email]
Subject: Ohio Public Records Request - [Brief Description]
Body:
```
[Your Name]
[Your Address in Delaware County, Ohio]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone]
[Date]
Under Ohio's Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code §149.43), I request the following records:
[Describe records specifically]
Please provide these records in electronic format if available. Per Ohio law, I am not required to provide my name or reason for requesting, though I have done so voluntarily.
If any portion of this request is denied, please cite the specific exemption under Ohio Revised Code §149.43.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
```
Step 4: Wait for Response
· Ohio law requires a "prompt" response (typically within a few business days)
· They must provide access or copies "within a reasonable period of time"
· If denied, they must provide the legal basis for denial
· No fee for electronic copies; reasonable copying fees may apply for paper
Step 5: If You Get a Denial or Delay...
1. Ask for written explanation citing ORC §149.43(B)
2. Request specific legal exemption being claimed
3. Remind them: Ohio Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled in favor of broad public access
4. Consider: Consulting the Ohio Attorney General's Office or filing in Ohio Court of Claims
---
💡 PRO TIPS FOR DELAWARE COUNTY:
✅ Do:
· Copy Jane Hawes (jhawes@...) on all requests — she's the communications point person
· Use both individual AND department emails (e.g., blewis@... AND commissioners@...)
· Reference Ohio Revised Code §149.43
· Keep a PDF copy of your sent email
❌ Don't:
· Use vague descriptions ("everything about...")
· Forget that text messages on county devices are also public records
· Accept "we don't have that" without asking how they searched
---
📞 ADDITIONAL CONTACTS:
· Main County Switchboard: (740) 833-2000
· Ohio Attorney General's Public Records Unit: (614) 466-2872
· Ohio Court of Claims (for appeals)