How to File a Public Records Request in Centerton, Arkansas
Centerton is one of the fastest-growing cities in both Arkansas and the United States. Located in Benton County at the heart of the booming Northwest Arkansas region, just west of Bentonville on Highway 102, this former railroad stop and fruit orchard community has transformed into a thriving suburban city of more than 25,000 residents — a population that has grown more than tenfold since 2000. With dozens of subdivisions and commercial developments under review at any given time, the City of Centerton generates a wide range of public records. Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. §§ 25-19-101 through 25-19-112), citizens of Arkansas have the right to inspect and copy public records held by the City of Centerton. The City handles records requests through City Hall, and requests can be submitted to any city employee in writing. This guide walks you through exactly how to request public records from Centerton, Arkansas — including who to contact, what forms to use, and what to do if your request is delayed or denied.
What Is the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act?
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Arkansas Code Annotated §§ 25-19-101 through 25-19-112, was enacted in 1967 and is widely recognized as one of the strongest open records laws in the nation. It guarantees any citizen of the State of Arkansas the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by state and local government bodies during regular business hours.
A "public record" under the FOIA includes any writing, recorded sound, film, tape, electronic or computer-based information, or data compilation that constitutes a record of the performance or lack of performance of official functions. Common examples of municipal records include city council meeting minutes, building permits, contracts with vendors, police incident reports, city budgets, emails between officials on public business, and employee compensation records.
Key exemptions include personnel records (to the extent disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy), ongoing law enforcement investigations, medical and adoption records, attorney-client privileged communications, state tax records, and records relating to public infrastructure security. When an exemption is claimed, the custodian must separate exempt from non-exempt material and release everything that is not exempt. The burden of proving that an exemption applies rests on the government — not on the requester.
How to File a Public Records Request with the City of Centerton
Contact Information
- Office
- City Administration, City Hall — Administration
- Address
- 200 Municipal Drive, P.O. Box 208, Centerton, AR 72719
- Phone
- (479) 795-2750
- [email protected]
- Website
- https://centertonar.us/government/open_records/public_information_request.php
- Hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
How to Submit Your Request
The City of Centerton accepts public records requests in any written form, including by email, fax, letter, or hand delivery. A request form is available at City Hall, but it is not required — any written communication clearly identifying the records you seek is sufficient under Arkansas law. You may submit a request to any city employee. For general city records, direct your request to City Hall at 200 Municipal Drive. For police-specific records such as incident reports and arrest records, send requests to the Centerton Police Department at [email protected]. Be as specific as possible in describing the records you need, including relevant dates, departments, and document types.
What to Include in Your Request
- Your full name and contact information (mailing address, email, phone number)
- A clear statement that you are a citizen of the State of Arkansas (required by law)
- A reference to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105)
- A specific and detailed description of the records you are requesting
- Relevant date ranges, names, departments, or file numbers
- Your preferred format for receiving records (electronic copies, paper, or in-person inspection)
- A statement of the maximum fee you are willing to pay without prior notification
Sample Request Letter
City of Centerton
200 Municipal Drive
P.O. Box 208
Centerton, AR 72719
Re: Arkansas Freedom of Information Act Request
Dear City Administration:
I am a citizen of the State of Arkansas, and pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105), I am requesting the opportunity to inspect and/or obtain copies of the following public records:
[Describe the records you are seeking with as much detail as possible, including relevant dates, names, departments, and document types.]
I would prefer to receive these records in electronic format, sent to the email address listed below. If the records are only available in hard copy, please notify me of arrangements for pickup or mailing.
If the estimated costs of reproducing these records exceed $25.00, please notify me before proceeding. I am willing to pay reasonable reproduction costs up to $[amount].
Please respond within three (3) working days as required by Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105(e). If any portion of this request is denied, please cite the specific statutory exemption justifying the withholding and release all non-exempt portions.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Response Deadlines and What to Expect
Under the Arkansas FOIA, public records must be available for inspection during regular business hours. If a record is immediately available, the custodian should provide it on the spot. If the record is in active use or storage and not immediately available, the custodian must certify this in writing and make the record available within three working days under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105(e).
It is important to note that the Arkansas FOIA restricts access to citizens of the state. Non-residents of Arkansas do not have a statutory right to request records under this law. You should include a statement confirming your Arkansas citizenship in your request.
The three-working-day window is a maximum deadline, not a target — the law expects prompt disclosure. For particularly complex or voluminous requests, the Arkansas Attorney General has indicated that a "reasonable time" beyond three days may be acceptable, evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If the City of Centerton needs additional time, they should communicate this to you.
Regarding fees, the City may charge only the actual costs of reproducing records, plus mailing expenses. Search and retrieval fees based on staff time are not permitted under Arkansas law. If estimated costs exceed $25, the City may require prepayment. Inspection of records in person is always free — you cannot be charged for simply looking at public records.
What to Do If Your Request Is Denied or Delayed
If the City of Centerton denies your public records request or fails to respond within three working days, you have legal options. Start by understanding why a denial might occur: the most common reasons include claimed exemptions for personnel records, ongoing law enforcement investigations, attorney-client privilege, or a determination that the request is not sufficiently specific.
Begin with an informal approach. A phone call to City Hall at (479) 795-2750 or an email can often resolve misunderstandings about the scope of your request. Many delays are caused by staffing constraints in a rapidly growing city, not intentional obstruction.
If the denial stands, Arkansas law gives you a direct path to court — there is no mandatory administrative appeal process. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-107(a), any citizen denied rights under the FOIA may appeal immediately to the circuit court of the appropriate judicial district. For the City of Centerton, this would be the Benton County Circuit Court. The court must schedule a hearing within seven days of your petition.
For personnel and employee evaluation records specifically, either the requester, the custodian, or the subject of the records may seek an advisory opinion from the Arkansas Attorney General within one business day. The AG must respond within three working days.
Arkansas has a favorable attorney's fees provision for requesters. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-107(d), the court shall award reasonable attorney's fees and litigation expenses to a plaintiff who substantially prevails, unless the court finds the defendant's position was substantially justified. Fees may only be assessed against the requester if the court finds the lawsuit was initiated primarily for frivolous or dilatory purposes.
Steps to Appeal
- Follow up informally with City of Centerton staff at (479) 795-2750 to clarify the request or resolve any misunderstanding.
- Request a written explanation citing the specific statutory exemption under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105(b) that the City claims justifies withholding.
- For personnel or evaluation records, seek an advisory opinion from the Arkansas Attorney General under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105(c)(3), who must respond within three working days.
- Contact the Arkansas Attorney General's FOIA guidance office at (501) 682-2007 or call the FOIA hotline at 800-482-8982 for general assistance on whether the denial is lawful.
- File a petition in Benton County Circuit Court under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-107(a) — the court must hear the case within seven days of your application.
- If you substantially prevail, seek reasonable attorney's fees and litigation expenses under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-107(d), which the court shall award unless the City's position was substantially justified.
- If the City refuses to comply with the court order, the court may hold the City in contempt under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-107(c).
Types of Records You Can Request from Centerton, Arkansas
The Arkansas FOIA defines public records broadly to include virtually any document that reflects the performance or lack of performance of official functions. Here are common types of records you can request from the City of Centerton:
- City Council meeting minutes, agendas, and resolutions
- City budgets, financial reports, and expenditure records
- Contracts, purchase orders, and vendor agreements
- Building permits, zoning applications, and inspection reports
- Police incident reports, arrest records, and accident reports
- Fire department incident and inspection records
- Code compliance complaints and violation notices
- City employee salary and compensation records
- Emails and correspondence of city officials related to official duties
- Subdivision plats and planning commission records
- Public works project records and infrastructure assessments
- Business license applications and records
- Grant applications and expenditure records
- Parks and recreation facility records and usage agreements
If you're unsure whether a specific document is a public record, file the request anyway. The burden is on the City of Centerton to justify withholding — not on you to pre-determine what's available.
Tips for Effective Public Records Requests in Centerton
Be specific
Describe exactly what records you want — include dates, names, departments, and document types. In a fast-growing city like Centerton with dozens of active development projects, vague requests can lead to lengthy delays.
Cite the statute
Reference the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105) in your request. This signals that you know your rights and helps city staff route your request to the appropriate custodian.
Confirm citizenship
Arkansas limits FOIA access to state citizens. Include a statement confirming you are an Arkansas resident in every request to avoid unnecessary delays or denials based on residency questions.
Request electronic copies
Ask for records in electronic format when possible. This can reduce reproduction costs to zero and speeds up delivery. The City cannot charge you for inspection or for your own digital copying of records.
Set a fee limit
Include a maximum dollar amount you're willing to pay without prior notice. This prevents surprise charges and gives the City a clear framework for cost communication before proceeding.
Direct requests precisely
Send police records requests to the Centerton Police Department at [email protected]. For all other city records, direct your request to City Hall at (479) 795-2750 or via email.
Keep a paper trail
Submit requests in writing and save all correspondence. If you ever need to escalate to circuit court, a documented timeline of your request and the City's response is essential evidence.
Leveling the Playing Field
In a city growing as fast as Centerton — where new subdivisions, commercial developments, and infrastructure projects reshape the landscape every year — public records are how residents keep pace with the decisions that shape their community. Whether it's a rezoning that changes your neighborhood or a contract that commits public dollars, you have a right to see the documents. Project Paper Trail helps you exercise that right effectively and understand what you find.
Project Paper Trail is an AI-powered platform that helps residents, journalists, and attorneys follow the paper trail on development approvals. We use public records, AI-driven document analysis, and relationship mapping to detect patterns of missing records, procedural shortcuts, and developer-government conflicts of interest. Every finding is sourced from public records. Every conclusion is traceable.
Developers have attorneys, engineers, and relationships with city hall. Project Paper Trail gives you the same visibility into the approval process — powered by public records and AI analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Records in Centerton, Arkansas
How long does the City of Centerton have to respond to a public records request?
Under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105(e), if records are in active use or storage, the City of Centerton must make them available within three working days. Records that are immediately available must be provided on the spot during regular business hours. For complex requests, a reasonable additional period may apply.
Do I have to be an Arkansas resident to request records from Centerton?
Yes. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act limits access to citizens of the State of Arkansas. Non-residents do not have a statutory right to request public records under the FOIA. Include a statement confirming your Arkansas residency in your request to avoid delays.
What does it cost to get copies of public records from the City of Centerton?
Under the Arkansas FOIA, the City of Centerton may charge only the actual costs of reproducing records, plus mailing expenses. Staff time and search fees are not permitted. If costs exceed $25, the City may require prepayment. Inspecting records in person is always free.
Where do I send a records request for Centerton Police Department records?
Police-specific records requests, such as incident reports and arrest records, should be sent to the Centerton Police Department's clerks at [email protected]. For all other city records, contact City Hall at (479) 795-2750 or submit a written request to 200 Municipal Drive, Centerton, AR 72719.
What can I do if the City of Centerton denies my records request?
If your request is denied, you may appeal directly to the Benton County Circuit Court under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-107. There is no required administrative appeal. The court must hear your case within seven days. If you substantially prevail, the court shall award reasonable attorney's fees unless the City's position was substantially justified.