Even though it doesn't have to, Utah County will allow Hilarie Orman to appeal to the State Records Committee.

Orman, of the Spanish Fork News, has been trying to obtain two police reports from the Utah County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office denied her request and then the Utah County Commission denied her appeal.

Orman thought she would be allowed to appeal both denials to the State Records Committee. But the secretary for the committee told Orman that Utah County had "opted out" of the state process — an option available to counties and municipalities in Utah if they formulate their own records process.

Then Utah County talked to the secretary and said, no, its procedures are to allow appeals to the state. It turns out the county just hadn't updated its ordinances.

If you're head is spinning, so was Orman's. But the bottom line is: She has another shot at the two police reports.

No agenda has been set yet, but the committee's next meeting is Feb. 12.

— NC

Labels: State Records Committee, Utah County