Columbus – Auditor of State Dave Yost reviewed public records policies and procedures of 48 government entities, giving recommendations to 19 for improvements.

“Our recommendations are guidelines for public offices,” Auditor Yost said. “Sunshine Week creates an opportunity for everyone to be brought up to speed on Ohio’s public records laws.”

This year, 40 entities from across the state were tested during regular financial audits. Eight additional entities that had recommendations in 2013 received follow-up reviews. The most widely issued recommendations include, keeping a log of public records requests, making copies of responses to requests and assigning a central point of contact for each office or department. 

The audits analyzed procedures to determine if each entity has controls in place to ensure compliance with the Ohio Public Records Act. Among the standards examined were the existence and strength of a public records policy, records retention schedules and timely fulfillment of public records requests.

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The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,800 state and local government agencies.  Under the direction of Auditor Dave Yost, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government.

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Carrie Bartunek
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614-644-1111