Fayette sets terms for records requests

After sparring over the accessibility and dissemination of personnel records, the Fayette County Board of Commissioners agreed on Feb. 22 to set terms regarding such materials.

Commissioner Steve Brown insisted that state law allows him full access to files, which he requested while researching recent claims of workplace misconduct at the county’s 911 Communications Center. But other commissioners objected to Brown posting the documents on social media without legal review and redaction, which could potentially require many hours and cost thousands of dollars of staff time.

The board ultimately voted 5-0 to allow full access to the files, but stipulated that any documents to be copied or released publicly must be redacted to protect employee privacy.