Request Fort Worth Financial Records under PRA

Taxation and Finance Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Fort Worth, Texas, anyone can request municipal financial records, including audit reports, under the Texas Public Information framework. This guide explains who to contact at the City of Fort Worth, how to submit a request, what reports are routinely published, timelines and appeals, and the practical steps to obtain audits, budgets, and accounting records. Use the official city open-records route first and the Texas Attorney General for unresolved disputes.

What records are available

Typical financial records available from the city include the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), annual budgets, internal and external audit reports, accounts payable/receivable ledgers (subject to redaction), and contract or grant financial attachments. Many standard financial reports are published on the city website for immediate download[2].

How to make a request

  • Identify the records with as much detail as possible (department, date range, document title).
  • Submit via the City Secretary/Open Records office online form, email, or mail according to the city's instructions[1].
  • Include your contact information and whether you want electronic or paper copies.
  • Ask about estimated fees for search, duplication, and redaction before payment.
Be as specific as possible to reduce search time and fees.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of access obligations is primarily through the Texas Attorney General's open records process and, where applicable, court review. The city’s Open Records office and the Texas Attorney General share responsibilities for decisions and enforcement[1][3].

  • Fines or monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page[3].
  • Escalation: first requests are handled administratively; repeated or willful withholding may be referred to the Attorney General or courts — specific escalation fines or ranges are not specified on the cited pages[1][3].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: official AG orders to release records, court injunctions, and legal costs; the AG issues binding decisions on contested withholdings[3].
  • Enforcer and contact: City Secretary/Open Records handles initial requests; unresolved disputes may be sent to the Texas Attorney General's Open Records Division[1][3].
  • Appeals and time limits: procedural timelines and rights to request an AG decision are explained on the city's open-records page and the Attorney General’s guidance; specific statutory deadlines are not specified verbatim on the cited city page[1][3].
  • Defences and discretion: exemptions under the Texas Public Information framework allow redaction or withholding where lawfully authorized; the AG interprets exemptions when appealed[3].
If you receive a denial, request the city’s statement of the exemption and the procedure to appeal.

Applications & Forms

The City Secretary maintains the official Open Records request method and form; check the city’s Open Records page for the current request form and submission instructions[1]. If a named form is not posted, the city accepts written requests that identify the records sought.

Routine financial publications

  • Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and audited financial statements — typically available on the Finance or Auditor pages[2].
  • Internal and external audit reports from the City Auditor's Office.
  • Annual budget documents, capital improvement plans, and budget amendments.
Published reports reduce the need for formal requests for commonly requested items.

Action steps

  • Step 1: Draft a written request describing the records and preferred format.
  • Step 2: Submit to the City Secretary/Open Records as instructed on the city page[1].
  • Step 3: Ask for an estimate of fees; negotiate scope to limit costs.
  • Step 4: If denied, request the legal basis in writing and consider requesting an Attorney General decision[3].

FAQ

Who handles public-records requests for Fort Worth?
The City Secretary/Open Records office handles requests; unresolved disputes may be appealed to the Texas Attorney General.[1][3]
Are audit reports publicly available without a request?
Yes. Many audit reports and the CAFR are published on the city's finance or auditor pages for immediate download, though some attachments may require a formal request.[2]
Will I be charged for copies?
Fees for search and duplication may apply; request an estimate when you submit your request and ask about waivers if applicable.[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the exact records, date ranges, and departments.
  2. Submit a written request via the City Secretary/Open Records portal or email as listed on the city page[1].
  3. Confirm receipt and ask for a fee estimate and expected completion timeline.
  4. If denied, request the exemption citation and file for an Attorney General decision if needed[3].

Key Takeaways

  • Start with published reports on the city's finance and auditor pages to avoid formal requests.
  • Use the City Secretary/Open Records office for formal requests and ask for fee estimates up front.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Fort Worth - Open Records (City Secretary)
  2. [2] City of Fort Worth - Finance: Financial Reports
  3. [3] Texas Attorney General - Open Government (Public Information)

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