How to request public records
A variety of reports and information is available on the Office of Financial Management website. Use the search function to look for particular documents or information. Below are links to areas of our website with commonly requested records or information.
- For data on state employee agencies, job titles and salaries: Personnel Detail Report
- For information on demographics: Popular Picks, Recent Updates
- For data on state budgets, beginning with 2001–2003 biennium: State Budgets
- For information on building budgets: Priorities of Government
- How to request public records
What format is required for making a public records request?
We prefer that requests be made in writing, e-mail or fax so that both parties have a record of the contact. If this is not possible, we will be pleased to discuss a request over the telephone and place in writing for the requester. Requests should be directed to:
Kate Lykins Brown
E-mail: kate.lykinsbrown@ofm.wa.gov
Public Disclosure Officer
Washington State Office of Financial Management
Insurance Building, Suite 300
P.O. Box 43113
Olympia, Washington 98504-3113
Fax: 360-664-2832
Phone: 360-902-0619
What information should I include in my public records request?
The request should contain the following information:
- Name, address and telephone number or e-mail address of the person requesting the record;
- Date on which the request is being made; and
- Description of the record(s) requested.
A form is available for use in requesting public records but is not required. Click here to download a copy of the form: Public records request form. Once filled out, the form can be submitted by e-mail, fax or mail as described above.
How much will it cost?
In accordance with the Governor’s directive, we endeavor to supply public records electronically whenever possible. For paper copies there is a charge of $.15 per page for letter-size paper (two-sided copies count as one page). (RCW 42.56.120) We do not charge for CDs unless multiple disks are produced.
How long will it take?
It depends on the specific request and how many other requests we are processing. Within five (5) business days of receiving the request, as required by law, the Office of Financial Management will respond and:
- Make the requested record(s) available; or
- Make a portion of the records available in installments as they are assembled; or
- Deny the request; or
- Acknowledge the request and provide a reasonable estimate of time needed to respond.
The Office of Financial Management may also ask for clarification if the request is unclear.
What material is exempt from disclosure?
The Public Records Act provides that certain types of records and information are exempt from disclosure.
Where exempt information can be deleted from a record (redacted), the record will be provided without the exempt information. Whenever the Office of Financial Management withholds all or part of a record, we will identify the specific exemption that applies on a log we produce.
