The Public Records Policy defines the procedures and fees associated with the receipt of and response to public record requests made to Dubuque County (“County”). It is the policy of the County to respond to requests to inspect or receive copies of public records maintained by the County in an orderly and expeditious manner in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 22.

This policy applies to all Dubuque County departments, officials, employees, and elected offices. Elected officials maintain statutory independence, but adoption of this policy is required to promote consistent countywide compliance and reduce liability associated with public record requests.

Dubuque County recognizes the public's right to access records maintained by the County as established under Iowa law. The County also recognizes certain records:

Electronic communications including email, text messages, instant messages, and electronic files relating to County business are public records regardless of whether such communications occur on County-owned or personal devices or accounts.

This policy balances public access with confidentiality obligations, protects the integrity of County records, and establishes uniform procedures for responding to public records requests, including coordination with appropriate County departments when records may contain confidential, privileged, protected, personnel, medical, investigation-related, security-related, or technology-related information, and a fee structure reflecting actual costs incurred.

Iowa Code Section 22.1(2) requires government bodies to designate an official or employee as its “lawful custodian” responsible for implementing the requirements of Iowa Code Chapter 22 and to provide that information to the public.

The County’s “lawful custodian” is the Auditor.