Archives & Records

The City Clerk acts as the Freedom of Information Officer for all records, public papers, and documents for the City of Valley Center dating back to the time of the City's incorporation. Public Records are specified by State Statute and the retention schedule decided upon by the Valley Center City Council. The City Clerk's Office administers:

  • Records management and storage for the City
  • Agendas and Minutes for City Council and special meetings
  • Ordinances and Resolutions duly certified and published
  • City Capital Project records

The City Clerk and her staff must adhere to the legislation put forth in the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). This legislation governs the rules and regulations associated with public records and how said records can and cannot be disseminated.

Available Open Records

Most records maintained by the City Clerk are open for citizens to inspect and have copied. Available 'open records' include but are not limited to:

FAQ's
How to Request a Record & Fees

Contact Us

For more information, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (316) 755-7310.

How to Request a Record

Please contact your Freedom of Information Officer to determine whether the information you need is available from the City. Please remember to be courteous and specific when requesting information so you may be better served.

Fill out the City of Valley Center Request for Record Form and present it to the front desk at City Hall. The City has a maximum of three business days from the time the request is received to provide the information. If the request is delayed or denied a written explanation will be provided.

Public Record Request Form - Click Here

Fees

The Kansas Open Records Act authorizes agencies to charge fees for providing access to or furnishing copies of public records. These charges are set at a level to compensate the City for the actual costs incurred in honoring your request. The fee will be requested in advance and may include:

  • Cost of staff time required to make the information available
  • Cost of copying or reproducing the record

Currently the City of Valley Center charges the following for copies

(this cost does not include the staff time it takes to fulfill requests)

  • Black and white copies - $0.20 per sheet
  • Color copies - $0.50 per sheet
Records Exceptions

Kansas Open Records Act Exceptions

The Kansas Open Records Act recognizes that some records contain information which is private in nature. For this reason, the Act lists a number of exceptions. Such records closed to citizens include but are not limited to:

  • Personnel information of public employees
  • Medical treatment records
  • Records protected by the attorney-client privilege or the rules of evidence
  • Records containing personal information compiled for Census purposes
  • Criminal investigation records

List of Exceptions

For a complete list of exemptions see K.S.A. 45-221.