The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), located § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees. The rights of requesters and the responsibilities of Clarke County under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act are outlined in the Clarke County FOIA Policy.

A public record is any writing or recording — regardless of whether it is a paper record, an electronic file, an audio or video recording, or any other format — that is prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees or agents in the transaction of public business. All public records are presumed to be open, and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies.

The County Administrator’s Office oversees most FOIA requests. Requests for information from Constitutional Officers (Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer, Sheriff, Commonwealth’s Attorney, and Clerk of Court) should be sent to the Constitutional Officer or their designated FOIA officer. See list below.

FOIA requests can be made via U.S. mail, fax, email, in person, or over the phone. FOIA does not require written requests. Requests must identify the records with “reasonable specificity.” Requests must ask for existing records or documents. Requests are processed in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Staff must respond to requests within five working days of receiving it, not including holidays and weekends.

Individuals may have to pay for the records they request. FOIA allows localities to charge for the actual costs of FOIA requests, including staff time spent searching for the requested records, copying costs, or any other costs directly related to supplying the requested records. If staff estimates it will cost more than $200 to respond to the request, a deposit may be required. Individuals may request an estimate in advance offering an opportunity to modify the request to lower the estimated cost.

 

To request records from Clarke County contact:

Catherine Marsten, Clarke County Administration
101 Chalmers Ct., Berryville, VA 22611
(540) 955-5175; cmarsten@clarkecounty.gov 

 

FOIA requests for Constitutional Offices should be directed to:

Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk April Wilkerson
102 N. Church St., Berryville, VA 22611
(540) 955-5116; afwilkerson@vacourts.gov

Clarke County Commissioner of the Revenue Donna Peake
101 Chalmers Ct., Berryville, VA 22611
(540) 955-5187; dpeake@clarkecounty.gov

Clarke County Commonwealth’s Attorney Alexander Hamilton
102 N. Church St., Berryville, VA 22611
(540) 955-5120; ahamilton@clarkecounty.gov

Clarke County Sheriff’s Office Travis Sumption
100 N. Church St., Berryville, VA 22611
(540) 955-5152; jrose@clarkecounty.gov

Clarke County Treasurer Sharon Keeler
101 Chalmers Ct., Berryville, VA 22611
(540) 955-5160; treasurer@clarkecounty.gov

Clarke County General District and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court
Kristi S. Wright, Director of Legislative and Public Relations
Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia
100 N. Ninth St., Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 225-3474

Clarke County Public Schools attn: Renee Weir
317 W. Main St., Berryville, VA 22611
(540) 955-6100; weirr@clarke.k12.va.us

Clarke County Department of Social Services attn: Jennifer Parker
311 E. Main St., Berryville, VA 22611
(540) 955-3700; Jennifer.L.Parker@dss.virginia.gov 

General Registrar & Director of Elections Barbara Bosserman
101 Chalmers Ct., Berryville, VA 22611
(540) 955-5168; vote@clarkecounty.gov

Joint Administrative Services attn: Brenda Bennett
317 W. Main St., Berryville, VA 22611
(540) 955-6156; bbennett@clarkecounty.gov

The Freedom of Information Advisory Council is also available to answer questions about FOIA. Contact the Council at (804) 698-1810, toll-free (866) 448-4100, or foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov