Public Records
The Town of Wake Forest is committed to upholding both the letter and the spirit of North Carolina's public records laws, which include but are not limited to NC General Statutes chapters 132 and 160A-168.
A public record is information created or received while transacting the public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions. North Carolina’s public records law, enacted in 1935, is one of the most open public records laws in the United States. The law provides a very broad definition of what is a public record and stipulates that anyone can request a public record for any reason. It also affirms that public records and public information are property of the people.
Reviewing a Public Record
You may access a great number of Town of Wake Forest public records at your convenience via this Web site by using the Search feature.
Request Public Records
If you can't find what you're looking for, use our Public Records Request Form to share exactly what you're looking for. Please be as specific as possible by including the date, title, and/or topic of the records you're interested in reviewing. Also, be sure to specify how quickly you're hoping to be able to review the records, and our staff will make every reasonable effort to accommodate you.
A Note About Emails
Local governments in Wake County, including the Town of Wake Forest, have the authority to deny requests for copies of subscriber email lists. Passed by the NC General Assembly in 2010, House Bill 1921 states that email address lists are open to public inspection for those who want to come to Town Hall to see them but are no longer required to be provided.
The law also states that governments may only use the lists for the purpose for which the citizen subscribed to them or for emergency communications.
Frequently Asked Questions about Public Records
What is a public record?
NCGS § 132-1 defines public records, in relevant part, as "all documents . . . magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records . . . regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received . . . in connection with the transaction of public business . . ."
All records maintained by the Town of Wake Forest are available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
What is the public policy regarding public records?
The NC General Assembly has declared as a matter of public policy that the public records and public information compiled by agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people. N.C.G.S. §132-1(b)
Are all records public records?
Although most information the Town of Wake Forest houses is public and subject to disclosure, some information is considered protected. For example, we are obligated to protect such things as: sensitive public security information, components of personnel files, tax information, and social security numbers.
What is the purpose of the Public Records Request form?
The Public Records Request forms aid the employee and requestor by clarifying precisely what information is being requested. Please be aware that the public records policy does not require the Town to do research, analyze data or create a record that does not currently exist.
How long will it take to receive a response?
The Town of Wake Forest is committed to an open and transparent government. As a rule, we respond to all requests for information as quickly as possible and strive to communicate a realistic time frame. It may not always be possible to fill requests right away if the requests span agencies and/or if they need to be reviewed to see if they contain confidential or restricted information.
How do I submit a public records request?
Complete the Public Records Request Form. If you need assistance, please contact Town Clerk Terry Savary at 919-435-9432.