Riley County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Riley County?

Public records in Riley County are defined according to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq., as any recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics, which is made, maintained, or kept by or is in the possession of any public agency. These records document the functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of public agencies serving Riley County residents.

Riley County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases are maintained by the Riley County District Court, which serves as the official repository for judicial proceedings within the county.
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments, and property transfers are recorded and maintained by the Riley County Register of Deeds office. These documents establish ownership and encumbrances on real property within county boundaries.
Vital Records: Birth and death certificates occurring in Riley County are maintained by the Riley County Clerk's Office. Marriage licenses and divorce decrees are processed through the District Court.
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations for enterprises operating within Riley County are maintained by various county departments depending on business type.
Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax payment histories are maintained by the Riley County Treasurer and Appraiser offices.
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports are maintained by the Riley County Clerk, who serves as the chief election officer.
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Official proceedings of the Riley County Commission, advisory boards, and committees are documented and preserved by the County Clerk's office.
Budget and Financial Documents: County expenditures, revenues, audits, and financial reports are maintained by the Riley County Clerk and Treasurer offices.
Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports, and other public safety documents are maintained by the Riley County Police Department, subject to certain privacy restrictions.
Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land use documents are maintained by the Riley County Planning and Development Department.

The Riley County Register of Deeds serves as the primary custodian for property records, while the Manhattan City Clerk's Office maintains municipal records for the county seat. Each department maintains specific record types according to their statutory responsibilities under Kansas law.

Is Riley County an Open Records County?

Riley County fully complies with the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq., which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under this state statute, public records are presumed open for inspection by any person unless specifically exempted by law.

The Kansas Open Records Act explicitly states in K.S.A. § 45-216(a) that "it is declared to be the public policy of the state that public records shall be open for inspection by any person unless otherwise provided by this act, and this act shall be liberally construed and applied to promote such policy." This foundational principle guides Riley County's approach to records management and public access.

Riley County has implemented specific policies to facilitate public access to records in accordance with state law. The county maintains a Public Records Request Policy that outlines procedures for requesting and obtaining public information. This policy establishes consistent practices across all county departments while ensuring compliance with state transparency requirements.

In addition to KORA compliance, Riley County adheres to the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA), K.S.A. § 75-4317 et seq., which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public. This complementary "sunshine law" ensures that not only records but also the deliberative processes of government remain accessible to citizens.

The Riley County Commission has demonstrated its commitment to transparency by adopting Resolution No. 010418-01, which formally acknowledges the county's responsibilities under KORA and establishes the County Counselor as the official Freedom of Information Officer for the county. This resolution reinforces the county's dedication to maintaining open and accessible government operations.

How to Find Public Records in Riley County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Riley County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county currently provides multiple access points for public records:

Submit a formal records request:
- Complete the official Public Records Request Form available on the Riley County website
- Submit the form to the specific department that maintains the desired records
- Include sufficient detail to identify the records being sought
- Provide contact information for follow-up communications
Visit the appropriate county office in person:
- Identify which department maintains the records of interest
- Visit during regular business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Staff can assist with locating and accessing available public records
- Some records may be available for immediate inspection
Access online records systems:
- Property records can be searched through the Register of Deeds online portal
- Court records are accessible via the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal
- County Commission minutes and agendas are posted on the county website
- GIS mapping information is available through the county's online mapping system
Contact the designated Records Custodian:
- Each department has a designated records custodian
- The custodian can provide guidance on record availability and access procedures
- Contact information for custodians is available on the county website

For court records, individuals may contact the Riley County District Court directly. Law enforcement records requests should be directed to the Riley County Police Department. Property records inquiries can be made to the Register of Deeds office, which maintains an extensive collection of documents related to real property transactions.

Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-220, the county must act upon records requests within three business days. If additional time is needed, the county will provide written notification explaining the delay and when the records will be available.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Riley County?

Riley County assesses fees for public records in accordance with K.S.A. § 45-219, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for providing access to or furnishing copies of public records. The current fee structure for Riley County public records is as follows:

Standard Copying Fees:
- Paper copies: $0.25 per page for standard letter/legal size documents
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus certification fee
- Large format documents (maps, plats): $5.00-$25.00 depending on size
Staff Time Charges:
- Records requiring less than one hour of staff time: No charge for search/retrieval
- Records requiring more than one hour: $20.00 per hour for search, compilation, and redaction time
- Technical staff time (if required): $40.00 per hour
Electronic Records Fees:
- Records provided via email (if feasible): No charge for transmission
- Records provided on CD/DVD: $5.00 per disc
- Records provided on USB drive: $10.00 per drive (requestor may provide their own device)
Specialized Record Fees:
- Certified copies of vital records: $15.00 per certificate
- Marriage licenses: $85.00 application fee
- Recording fees for property documents: $21.00 for first page, $17.00 for each additional page
- Criminal history reports: $20.00 per name search

Riley County accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and major credit cards for most transactions. Some departments may have limited payment options. All fees must be paid before records are released, though inspection of records in person typically does not incur a fee unless extensive staff time is required for retrieval.

The county may require advance payment if estimated fees exceed $25.00, as permitted under K.S.A. § 45-218(f). Fee waivers may be granted when disclosure is in the public interest and the request is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requestor.

Does Riley County Have Free Public Records?

Riley County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with Kansas law. K.S.A. § 45-218(a) establishes that "all public records shall be open for inspection by any person," and while fees may be charged for copies, inspection of records in their original form is generally available without charge.

The following records are currently available for free inspection or access in Riley County:

In-Person Record Inspection:
- Members of the public may inspect most non-exempt records at no cost during regular business hours
- Viewing terminals are available at the Register of Deeds office for property record searches
- County Commission meeting minutes and agendas are available for review at the County Clerk's office
Online Resources:
- The Riley County website provides free access to:
  - County Commission meeting minutes and agendas
  - County budget documents and financial reports
  - Property tax information (basic search functions)
  - County ordinances and resolutions
  - Election results and voter information
  - Public notices and announcements
Public Access Terminals:
- The Riley County Courthouse provides public access computers for searching certain county records
- The Riley County Public Library offers free internet access for searching online public records
Publicly Posted Documents:
- Meeting notices posted at the Riley County Office Building
- Public hearing notices published in official county newspapers
- Budget summaries and tax information published annually

The Manhattan City Clerk's Office also maintains free public access to city records for the county seat, including city commission minutes, ordinances, and municipal code.

While inspection is generally free, requestors should be aware that staff time charges may apply if extensive search or retrieval efforts are required. Additionally, while basic record searches may be free, obtaining copies or certified documents will incur the standard fees outlined in the county's fee schedule.

Who Can Request Public Records in Riley County?

Under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. § 45-217(d), "any person" may request access to public records maintained by Riley County. This broad eligibility extends to:

Kansas residents and non-residents alike
Individual citizens
Business entities and corporations
Media organizations
Non-profit organizations
Government agencies
Academic researchers
Legal representatives

Riley County does not generally require requestors to:

Provide identification for most record requests
State the purpose or reason for their request
Demonstrate a "need to know" or special interest in the records
Be a resident of Riley County or Kansas

However, pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-220(c), the county may require a written certification that the requestor will not use names and addresses obtained from public records for certain prohibited commercial purposes, such as selling property or services.

For specific record types, additional requirements may apply:

Vital Records: Birth and death certificates are restricted to the person named in the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct interest as defined in K.S.A. § 65-2422d. Proper identification is required.
Law Enforcement Records: Criminal history information may require fingerprint verification and is subject to restrictions under K.S.A. § 22-4707.
Court Records: While most court records are public, certain case types (juvenile, adoption, mental health) have statutory access restrictions under K.S.A. § 38-2309 and related statutes.
Medical Records: Health information maintained by county agencies is protected under HIPAA and state privacy laws, requiring authorization from the subject.

When requesting records about oneself, proper identification is typically required to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure of personal information. When requesting records about others, access may be limited based on privacy protections established in state and federal law.

What Records Are Confidential in Riley County?

Riley County maintains certain records that are exempt from public disclosure in accordance with K.S.A. § 45-221, which enumerates specific categories of records that public agencies are not required to disclose. The following record types are generally considered confidential:

Personal Privacy Protected Records:
- Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and driver's license numbers
- Personal financial information, including bank account details
- Medical and mental health records protected under HIPAA
- Personnel records containing performance evaluations, except for names, positions, salaries, and employment dates
- Home addresses and telephone numbers of public employees if requested to be private
Law Enforcement Sensitive Records:
- Active criminal investigation records that would interfere with proceedings
- Intelligence information and security procedures
- Victim and witness identifying information where disclosure would endanger safety
- Criminal history record information restricted under K.S.A. § 22-4707
- Juvenile offender records protected under K.S.A. § 38-2309
Court-Protected Records:
- Sealed court records pursuant to judicial order
- Adoption proceedings and records
- Child in need of care proceedings
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Expunged criminal records
Security and Safety Exemptions:
- Emergency or security procedures for public buildings
- Infrastructure details that would expose vulnerabilities
- Computer network security information
- Emergency response protocols
Proprietary Information:
- Trade secrets or intellectual property submitted to the county
- Sealed bids and proposals prior to contract award
- Software programs protected by copyright or license agreements
Preliminary Records:
- Notes, preliminary drafts, and recommendations in which opinions are expressed
- Records pertaining to employer-employee negotiations
- Work product of attorneys representing the county

These exemptions are applied in accordance with K.S.A. § 45-221(d), which states that "if a public record contains material which is not subject to disclosure pursuant to this act, the public agency shall separate or delete such material and make available to the requestor that material in the public record which is subject to disclosure." This requires Riley County to redact exempt information rather than withhold entire documents when possible.

The county applies a public interest balancing test as required by Kansas case law when determining whether discretionary exemptions should be invoked, weighing the public interest in disclosure against the public interest in confidentiality.

Riley County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Riley County Register of Deeds
110 Courthouse Plaza, 2nd Floor
Manhattan, KS 66502
(785) 537-6340
Riley County Register of Deeds

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Riley County Clerk
110 Courthouse Plaza, 2nd Floor
Manhattan, KS 66502
(785) 537-6300
Riley County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Riley County District Court
100 Courthouse Plaza, 3rd Floor
Manhattan, KS 66502
(785) 537-6371
Riley County District Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and court-observed holidays

Riley County Police Department
1001 Seth Child Road
Manhattan, KS 66502
(785) 537-2112
Riley County Police Department

Hours of Operation:
Administrative Offices: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Records Division: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Emergency Services: 24 hours daily

Manhattan City Clerk's Office
1101 Poyntz Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502
(785) 587-2404
Manhattan City Clerk's Office

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and city-observed holidays

Lookup Public Records in Riley County

Riley County District Court

Riley County Police Department

Manhattan City Clerk's Office

Riley County Register of Deeds