Record: Audits
What it shows: Audits can show whether an agency is properly spending its money or whether programs and procedures in place are accomplishing the desired results.
Where to find it: Agencies that receive local, state or federal money probably have to conduct audits to account for that money. Those records should be available from the agency or from the source of the money. In addition, many agencies perform operational audits for such things as certification or to ensure they are in compliance with local, state or federal laws. These audits also should be available from the agency, or from any entity overseeing the agency for purposes of certification or grant approval. The Federal Audit Clearinghouse, under the federal Office of Management and Budget, maintains a Web site with an extensive database of audits for a variety of agencies and governmental bodies.
Why you need it: Ensuring that tax dollars are being wisely spent and that agencies are operating in the most efficient manner possible.
Record: Bridge inspections
What it shows: Bridge inspection data rate structures on their functionality and structural integrity.
Where to find it: The State Highway Administration, Bridge Inspections and Remedial Engineering Division.
Why you need it: The state receives federal money for bridge work. About 50 percent of Maryland bridges are under state control; about 35 percent are under county control; the remainder are under federal control. Knowing that our bridges are safe, and that limited funding is going where it is needed most is a matter of considerable public interest.
Record: Budgets
What it shows: Budgets show the revenues and expenses for a government body.
Where to find it: Most government bodies have a budget office, where the documents can be located. In addition, the annual budget process must go through a public hearing schedule where residents can come and comment on the proposal. (See also: Public meetings).
Why you need it: Tracking government spending, seeing where tax dollars are going and ensuring sound fiscal decisions. (See also: Budget Expenses).
Record: Budget Expenses
What it shows: Expenses paid with tax dollars (such as cell phones, travel or meals or government-issued credit cards) are public records.
Where to find it: Government bodies have to maintain records of expenses paid in order to account for their expeditures of tax dollars.
Why you need it: These records can show, for instance, if a public official is misusing a government-issued credit card by making unauthorized charges, or making personal calls on a government-issued cell phone. Keeping these records open is essential to the public’s ability to watch over government spending.
Record: Business/Professional Licenses
What it shows: Can show whether a business is licensed to work in the county, municipality and/or state, if any violations have been noted or if any complaints have been filed.
Where to find it: County or municipal offices that require licenses or permits will have an office where these can be found. At the state level, the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation maintains these records. (See also: Division of Financial Regulation and Division of Professional Licensing)
Why you need it: Knowing whether a vendor is properly licensed to work in the area or whether a professional has any violations or complaints can be helpful when searching for a contractor, real estate agent or any number of other professions. Much of the information is available on DLLR’s Web site, but some of the information is not up to date and it may take a request to the agency to get the most current information available.
Record: Campaign Contributions
What it shows: The sources of funding for candidates for public office.
Where to find it: The County Election Office, as well as the state Board of Elections, maintains this information.
Why you need it: Determining if candidates are being influenced by special interests can be key for voters who are trying to determine which candidate most closely matches their basic views.
