Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What does the County Administrative Office do?

The County Administrative Office administers and carries out the rules and regulations implemented by the Board of Supervisors. The office is organized around a team concept, and each has a different function.

• Communications: Manages the county’s utilities, radio, and telephone systems, and cable television franchises
• Information Technology: Provides network and computer support services for the County of Humboldt government departments
• Purchasing: Manages vendors, maintain supplies to enable county departments to provide services, purchase at lowest cost consistent with quality and quantity required, surplus sales
• Economic Development: Brings about comprehensive, community-centered economic development that improves the lives of low-income people
• Revenue Recovery: collects court fines as directed by the Superior Court of California, outstanding fees due to the county in association to court cases, Victim Restitution, and other delinquent fees owed to various county departments
• Management and Budget: assists the Board of Supervisors in development and implementation of policies, recommends the annual budget and legislative platforms to the board for adoption, compiles the fee schedule, and assists in the administration and operation of county departments by monitoring the use of financial and human resources

2. How do I make requests for records under the California Public Records Act?

All requests for records in the possession of Humboldt County's administrative offices and departments should be directed to the County Administrative Office or the individual department that holds the requested records. It is preferred but not required that such requests be submitted via the County's website, or in writing and forwarded by regular mail, email, fax, or hand-delivery and state that the request is being made pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Telephonic and in-person verbal requests will be accepted only during regular county office business hours Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and should be directed to the County Administrative Office or the head of an individual department.

Requests for records should be as specific as possible so as to clearly define or identify the exact records to which access is sought. In most cases, the county will provide electronic copies or photocopies of the requested records to the requesting party. In some cases depending on the volume or nature of the records, arrangements will be made for supervised access to the requested records.