§ 25-4.206. Release of oral public information.

Release of oral public information shall be accomplished as follows:

(a)

Factual information about the county, unless exempt from disclosure under state or federal law or not disclosable under this division, may be released to a telephone caller or an office visitor by responsible employees conversant with the factual information. One or more brief factual questions may be answered as soon as the employee has obtained the information. More extensive information may be confined to an interview by appointment or by reference to information in documentary form.

(b)

Information concerning the county's policies, positions on public issues, plans or intentions, or reactions to events may be released to a telephone caller or office visitor by the person with primary policy responsibility for the subject matter or by his or her designated spokesperson. Each department head shall, to the extent practicable, designate one or more spokespersons to be available for this purpose during normal business hours. Employees not authorized to provide such information may be prevented from doing so.

(c)

Public employees shall not be prohibited from or disciplined for the expression of their legally protected personal opinions on any matter. Opinions should not be represented as those of the county, misrepresent the county's opinion, or interfere extraordinarily with the course of business of county departments.

(d)

Department heads, with the advice and consultation of the county counsel, shall be encouraged to establish specific policies outlining legally protected opinions.

(Ord. No. 95-6)

Article 25-4.4. Public Records