FAQ's

Q: What is a public record?

A: A public record is "any document, device, or item, regardless of physical form or characteristic, including an electronic record as defined in [R.C. 1306.01], created or received by or coming under the jurisdiction of any public office of the state or its political subdivisions, which serves to document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office."

Q: Does it cost money to receive public records?

A: No. COTA does not charge for supplying public records.

Q: Do I need to identify myself or state the reason I am requesting the public records?

A: No, a requestor does not need to state their identity or the reason they are requesting the public record.

Q: Do I need to be specific with my public records request?

A: Yes. The law requires that the requestor identify the records they are seeking "with reasonable clarity." If a request is overbroad or ambiguous, COTA will contact the requestor to attempt to clarify the request.

Q: Are all records at COTA public records?

A: No, as with any public office, certain records, documents and information are not public.

Q: When will my request be fulfilled?

A: Requests a fulfilled within a reasonable amount of time, this can vary based on the request and other administrative factors.