logo
BrownRecords.org
Search Public Records

Brown County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Brown County?

Public records in Brown County, Wisconsin, are official documents and information maintained by county government agencies that are accessible to the public. These records include court documents, property records, vital records (such as birth, death, and marriage certificates), tax information, and various other government-held information.

Brown County maintains these records through several departments, including the County Clerk's Office, Register of Deeds, Clerk of Circuit Court, and other administrative offices. These records serve as an important resource for transparency in government operations and provide citizens with access to information that may be relevant to their personal, business, or legal interests.

Is Brown County an Open Records County?

Yes, Brown County is an open records county that follows Wisconsin's Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This law establishes that all government records are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

Brown County government agencies are required to respond to public records requests promptly and provide reasonable access to records during normal business hours. The county has established procedures for requesting and obtaining public records, with most departments offering both in-person and online access options.

How Do I Find Public Records in Brown County in 2025

Finding public records in Brown County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through Brown County's official website and various department portals.

    • Property records can be searched through the Brown County Property Search portal.
    • Court records are accessible via the Clerk of Circuit Court's online system.
    • Land records can be found through the Brown County Land Records portal.

  2. In-Person Requests: Visit the appropriate county office to request records in person.

    • Clerk of Circuit Court: 305 E. Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI 54301
    • Register of Deeds: 305 E. Walnut Street, Room 260, Green Bay, WI 54301
    • County Clerk's Office: 305 E. Walnut Street, Room 120, Green Bay, WI 54301

  3. Written Requests: Submit a written request to the relevant department specifying the records you need.

  4. Brown County Records Request Portal: The county maintains a centralized records request system for many types of public records at 305 E. Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI 54301.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Brown County?

The cost of obtaining public records in Brown County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

  1. Copy Fees:

    • Black and white copies: $0.25 per page
    • Color copies: $0.50 per page
    • Large format documents: $5.00 per page

  2. Search Fees: Some departments may charge a fee for records searches that require extensive staff time (typically after the first 30 minutes of search time).

  3. Specialized Records:

    • Certified copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates): $20 for the first copy, $3 for additional copies
    • Property record copies: $2 per page
    • Court records: Varies by document type and length

  4. Electronic Records: Some electronic records may have reduced fees or be available for free online.

The Brown County Treasurer's Office (305 E. Walnut Street, Room 100, Green Bay, WI 54301) processes most payments for record requests.

Does Brown County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Brown County does offer some public records for free:

  1. Online Access: Many records can be viewed online at no cost, though printing or downloading may incur fees.

    • The Brown County Property Search portal allows free viewing of basic property information.
    • Court case information can be viewed for free through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website.

  2. In-Person Inspection: Wisconsin law allows for free inspection of public records during normal business hours. While copying may incur fees, simply viewing records is typically free.

  3. Fee Waivers: In some cases, fees may be reduced or waived if the request is deemed to be in the public interest or if the requester demonstrates financial hardship.

The Brown County Public Library (515 Pine Street, Green Bay, WI 54301) also provides free access to many public records databases.

Who Can Request Public Records In Brown County?

Under Wisconsin's Public Records Law, virtually anyone can request public records in Brown County:

  1. Wisconsin Residents: All Wisconsin residents have full rights to access public records.

  2. Non-Residents: People who live outside Wisconsin can also request public records from Brown County.

  3. Organizations: Businesses, media outlets, non-profit organizations, and other entities can request public records.

  4. No Justification Required: Requesters do not need to provide a reason for their request or identify themselves, though some specific records may require identification to access.

  5. Age Restrictions: While there are no specific age restrictions in the law, some records may have access limitations for minors.

Requests can be submitted to the Brown County Records Custodian (305 E. Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI 54301) or to the specific department that maintains the records.

What Records Are Confidential In Brown County?

While Brown County follows open records laws, certain records remain confidential under state and federal laws:

  1. Personal Privacy Protected Records:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Financial account information
    • Medical records protected under HIPAA

  2. Juvenile Records: Most juvenile court records are confidential, with limited exceptions.

  3. Ongoing Investigations: Records related to active law enforcement investigations may be temporarily withheld.

  4. Attorney-Client Privileged Communications: Legal communications between the county and its attorneys.

  5. Certain Personnel Records: Employee medical information, performance evaluations, and disciplinary records may be protected.

  6. Competitive Business Information: Trade secrets or proprietary information submitted to the county.

  7. Victim Information: Details that could identify victims of certain crimes, particularly in sensitive cases.

The Brown County Corporation Counsel (305 E. Walnut Street, Room 680, Green Bay, WI 54301) reviews records requests that may contain confidential information.

Lookup Public Records in Brown County

Categories

Criminal RecordsCourt RecordsInmate RecordsArrest recordsWarrant SearchProperty RecordsDivorce Records