City launches searchable public records portal
– The City of Paso Robles has launched an online public records request system that allows community members to submit requests, communicate with city staff, and track their requests, according to a recent press release sent by the city.
The system also provides a searchable database of previous requests and responses, allowing users to find records that the city may have already produced.
CivicPlus, the city’s website service provider, provides the NextRequest records management system. More than 1,000 agencies nationwide use the web-based platform to organize and track more than 1 million requests annually.
The City Clerk’s Office transitioned from tracking requests offline to entering email requests into the system over the past month. The transition reportedly allowed staff to collect feedback and train city employees before adding a direct link to the city’s website.
Community members can submit requests anonymously or provide contact information to receive records by email. Users can also create an account to view their pending and completed requests.
The system makes all requests public after 72 hours. Members of the public can view the requester, the request’s progress, and responsive documents online.
City staff will also enter requests received in person, by mail, or by email into the portal for tracking. The database allows visitors to search previous requests and locate records that the city has already released.
The City Clerk’s Office manages records requests under the California Public Records Act.
The city already provides common documents on its website, including public meeting agendas and reports, annual budget information, and business license records. The new public records portal is also available online.
