Tom Green County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Tom Green County?

Public records in Tom Green County are official documents and information created, received, or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public under the Texas Public Information Act. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.001, public records are fundamental to the people's right to be informed about governmental activities.

Tom Green County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases are maintained by the Tom Green County District Clerk for district court matters and the County Clerk for county court proceedings.

• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments are filed with the County Clerk's office. These documents establish ownership and encumbrances on real property within county boundaries.

• Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees are maintained by the County Clerk. Some vital records can also be ordered through the Texas Department of State Health Services.

• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) are filed with the County Clerk's office.

• Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax payment histories are maintained by the Tom Green County Tax Office.

• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results are maintained by the Tom Green County Elections Administration.

• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of County Commissioners Court meetings, board proceedings, and other governmental bodies are preserved as public records.

• Budget and Financial Documents: County financial reports, budgets, and expenditure records are maintained by the County Treasurer and Auditor.

• Law Enforcement Records: Certain arrest logs, incident reports, and jail records are maintained by the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office, though some may be exempt from disclosure.

• Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning and zoning documents, building permits, and code enforcement records are maintained by various county departments.

The Tom Green County government serves as the central authority for maintaining these records, with specific departments responsible for different record types.

Is Tom Green County an Open Records County?

Tom Green County fully complies with the Texas Public Information Act, codified under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This comprehensive state law establishes the framework for public access to government information throughout Texas, including Tom Green County.

Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision establishes the fundamental right of access that Tom Green County observes in its records management practices.

The county adheres to the principle articulated in § 552.001(a) that states: "the fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional form of representative government that adheres to the principle that government is the servant and not the master of the people, implements the constitutional doctrine of the people's right to know about the affairs of government."

Tom Green County has established procedures for handling public information requests in accordance with state law. Each county department that serves as a custodian of records has designated personnel to process open records requests. The county follows the statutory timelines for responding to requests, generally providing prompt acknowledgment and production of records within 10 business days when possible, as required by state law.

The county also complies with Texas open meetings laws, ensuring that governmental deliberations are conducted in public with proper notice, as required by the Texas Open Meetings Act. County Commissioners Court meetings and other public body sessions are conducted in accordance with these transparency requirements.

How to Find Public Records in Tom Green County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Tom Green County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

1. Submit a Public Information Request: Individuals may submit written requests to the appropriate county department that maintains the desired records. Requests should be specific about the information sought. The Texas Public Information Act requires governmental bodies to respond promptly to requests.

2. Visit the County Offices in Person: Many records may be inspected in person during regular business hours at the appropriate county office:

   Tom Green County Courthouse
   112 W. Beauregard Avenue
   San Angelo, TX 76903
   325-653-3318
   Tom Green County

3. Access Online Resources: The county provides several online portals for accessing public records:

   • The County Clerk's Office offers online access to certain property records, marriage licenses, and other documents.
   • The District Clerk's Office provides online access to court case information.
   • The Tax Office offers property tax information through their online portal.

4. Court Records: For district and county court records, contact the appropriate clerk's office:

   • For district court records, contact the District Clerk's Office
   • For county court records, contact the County Clerk's Office
   • Court records may also be researched through the Texas State Law Library resources

5. Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses can be requested from the County Clerk's Office. Alternatively, vital records may be ordered through the Texas Department of State Health Services online portal.

6. Criminal Records: Criminal history information may be obtained through the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service.

7. Property and Tax Records: Property ownership records, deeds, and tax information can be accessed through the County Clerk's Office and the County Tax Assessor-Collector's Office.

When making a request, individuals should provide:

• Specific description of the records sought
• Time period covered by the records
• Preferred format for receiving the records (electronic or paper)
• Contact information for follow-up questions

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

Tom Green County assesses fees for public records in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Public Information Act and the Office of the Attorney General. Current standard fees include:

• Standard Paper Copies: $0.10 per page for standard letter or legal size copies
• Certified Copies: $5.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page
• Oversize Copies: $0.50 per page for documents larger than standard size
• Electronic Records: $0.10 per page for PDF documents; actual cost for other electronic formats
• Labor Charges: $15.00 per hour for requests requiring more than 50 pages or extensive programming/manipulation
• Overhead Charge: 20% of labor charge may be added for extensive requests

Specific record types have statutorily established fees:

• Birth Certificates: $23.00 per certified copy
• Death Certificates: $21.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
• Marriage Licenses: $82.00 to issue; $8.00 per certified copy
• Deed Records: $26.00 for first page, $4.00 for each additional page
• Court Records: Fees vary by case type and document requested

The county accepts the following payment methods:

• Cash (in-person only)
• Personal checks
• Money orders
• Credit cards (subject to processing fee)
• Electronic payment for certain online services

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, the county may waive or reduce fees if disclosure of the information primarily benefits the general public. Additionally, under § 552.267, a requestor is entitled to the first 20 pages of standard paper copies for $1.00 or less.

For large or complex requests, the county may provide a written itemized statement of estimated charges when costs exceed $40.00, as permitted by § 552.2615.

Does Tom Green County Have Free Public Records?

Tom Green County provides free access to certain public records as required by Texas law. The following records are available for free inspection during normal business hours:

• County Commissioners Court Agendas and Minutes: These documents are available for public inspection at the County Clerk's Office and are typically posted on the Tom Green County website.

• Public Notices and Announcements: Legal notices, public hearing announcements, and other official notifications are available for inspection without charge.

• Voter Registration Information: Basic voter registration data is available for inspection at the Elections Administration Office.

• Online Resources: The county provides free access to certain records through its online portals, including:

  • Basic property information through the Tax Assessor-Collector's website
  • Court docket information through the District Clerk's website
  • Meeting agendas and minutes through the county website

• Public Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the County Clerk's Office and District Clerk's Office for free public inspection of certain electronic records.

In accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.221, the public has the right to inspect public information during normal business hours without charge. However, if copies are requested, standard fees apply as outlined in the fee schedule.

The Texas State Law Library also provides free access to certain legal resources and court records that may be relevant to Tom Green County matters.

Who Can Request Public Records in Tom Green County?

Under the Texas Public Information Act, any person may request public records from Tom Green County governmental bodies. The law defines "person" broadly to include individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, and governmental entities.

Key eligibility considerations include:

• Residency: There is no residency requirement for requesting public information. Non-Texas residents have the same rights to access public records as Texas residents.

• Identification: For most general records requests, requestors are not required to provide identification. However, certain sensitive records may require verification of identity, particularly when the records contain personal information.

• Purpose: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.222, a governmental body may not inquire about the purpose for which information will be used. The requestor's intended use of the information generally cannot be a basis for denying access.

• Format of Request: Requests must be in writing (including email) and should reasonably identify the records sought.

Special considerations apply to certain record types:

• Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records have restricted access. Only the person named in the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct interest may obtain these records.

• Criminal History Information: Access to complete criminal history records is generally limited to the subject of the record, criminal justice agencies, and certain authorized entities.

• Medical Records: Access to medical records is restricted under both state law and federal HIPAA regulations to the patient or their authorized representative.

• Juvenile Records: These records are generally confidential and access is restricted to the juvenile, parents/guardians, and authorized officials.

When requesting your own records that contain personal information, proper identification is typically required to protect privacy and prevent identity theft.

What Records Are Confidential in Tom Green County?

While Tom Green County strives for transparency, certain records are confidential by law and exempt from public disclosure. Pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 552, Subchapter C, the following records are generally considered confidential:

• Medical and Mental Health Records: Patient health information is protected under both state law and federal HIPAA regulations (§ 552.101).

• Personnel Information: Certain personal information of public employees, including home addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, and family information (§ 552.117, § 552.1175).

• Juvenile Records: Records relating to juvenile offenders are generally confidential under the Texas Family Code (§ 552.101).

• Social Security Numbers: Documents containing social security numbers must be redacted before public disclosure (§ 552.147).

• Motor Vehicle Records: Personal information in motor vehicle records is protected under the Texas Transportation Code (§ 552.130).

• Certain Law Enforcement Records: Information related to ongoing investigations, confidential informants, and certain tactical information (§ 552.108).

• Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product (§ 552.107).

• Economic Development Negotiations: Information related to economic development negotiations until agreements are executed (§ 552.131).

• Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about security systems, infrastructure vulnerabilities, or emergency response plans (§ 552.139).

• Certain Court Records: Records sealed by court order, including certain family law matters, adoptions, and mental health commitments.

• Trade Secrets and Commercial Information: Proprietary business information that would give advantage to competitors (§ 552.110).

• Audit Working Papers: Internal audit working papers and draft audit reports (§ 552.116).

• Test Items: Standardized test questions and answers (§ 552.122).

• Birth Records: Birth records less than 75 years old are available only to the person named, immediate family, or legal representatives.

• Death Records: Death records less than 25 years old have restricted access.

The county applies the Texas Public Information Act balancing test when appropriate, weighing the public's right to know against individual privacy interests and other protected values.

Tom Green County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Tom Green County Clerk's Office
112 W. Beauregard Avenue, 2nd Floor
San Angelo, TX 76903
325-659-6556
Tom Green County Clerk's Office

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

Tom Green County District Clerk's Office
112 W. Beauregard Avenue, 3rd Floor
San Angelo, TX 76903
325-659-6579
Tom Green County District Clerk's Office

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

Tom Green County Tax Assessor-Collector's Office
113 W. Beauregard Avenue
San Angelo, TX 76903
325-659-3261
Tom Green County Tax Office

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

Tom Green County Elections Administration
113 W. Beauregard Avenue
San Angelo, TX 76903
325-659-6541
Tom Green County

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Extended hours during election periods
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Lookup Public Records in Tom Green County

Tom Green County Official Website

Tom Green County Clerk's Office

Tom Green County District Clerk's Office

Tom Green County Tax Office

Order Vital Records Online

Texas State Law Library Court Records Guide

Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records

Texas Public Information Act

Texas Open Records Policy

Texas.gov Official State Website