Combs Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Combs, Kentucky government websites.
About Combs, Kentucky
Government Type
City Council
The governing body of Combs, Kentucky, is the Combs City Council, which consists of 5 elected members. Council members are elected at-large and serve a term length of 4 years. The current council members include Mayor Jerry L. Smith and council members Linda K. Smith, Charles G. Smith, and others serving in various capacities.
If you need to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history, the process involves several steps. If additional information is required, the Perry County Sheriff’s Office can be approached, as they maintain full records for county law enforcement activities. Further, the Kentucky State Police operates a Criminal Repository where individuals can access statewide criminal history records. People can use online portals, such as the Kentucky State Police's official website, to conduct preliminary searches, though more detailed inquiries may necessitate in-person visits or written requests to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Combs falls under the jurisdiction of the Perry County Circuit Court, which addresses a range of legal matters pertinent to local residents. To request court records, individuals can access the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk’s online portal, or alternatively, they may visit the clerk’s office in person for assistance. For vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, residents can contact the Perry County Clerk-Recorder's office or the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. Property records are similarly maintained by the county’s assessor and recorder, and online resources are available for residents to search property information efficiently. Requests for public records can also be made under the Kentucky Open Records Act, which typically mandates a response within 5 to 10 business days. This framework allows residents of Combs easy access to various public documents, supporting openness and accountability within local governance.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement across Perry County involves coordination between the Perry County Sheriff's Office and municipal departments in Hazard and Vicco. These city police departments handle enforcement within their town limits, working in tandem with county authorities on serious investigations and broader public safety efforts. The collaboration ensures that residents throughout the county - including those in Combs - receive consistent coverage and response when criminal activity occurs.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Perry County Detention Center serves as Perry County's primary jail facility, processing arrests from across the jurisdiction. When someone is booked, they're photographed and fingerprinted as part of standard intake procedures. Current inmate information can be checked through the detention center's online lookup system, which provides details on who's being held. Visitation at the facility operates by appointment, with visitors expected to follow established protocols. Kentucky's bond system allows for cash or property bonds, and detainees can be released once the required amount is posted.
Arrest Records
The Perry County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records for the county, documenting charges, booking details, and identifying information for each arrestee. Anyone seeking these records - whether residents or legal professionals - can obtain them by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Kentucky Open Records Act grants public access to arrest records unless a specific exemption applies. These documents typically show the arrest date, what charges were filed, and which agency made the arrest.
Court Records
Court records for Combs, Kentucky, are handled by the Perry County Circuit Court at 129 N 1st St, Hazard, KY 41701. The court's docket spans civil matters like personal injury and contract disputes as well as criminal felony cases. Those looking for case filings, judgments, or transcripts can reach out to the circuit court clerk's office or access documents through the Kentucky Court of Justice website at https://kycourts.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Perry County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Kentucky Court of Justice's online portal or by contacting the Kentucky State Police. The bureau provides criminal history reports, which include convictions and pending charges, to authorized individuals and agencies.
Public Records Access
Public records for Combs, Kentucky, are kept by the Perry County Clerk's Office at 129 N 1st St, Hazard, KY 41701. The office manages property deeds, marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, and a range of other vital documents. Residents and other interested parties can visit the office in person or use Perry County's online records portal at https://perrycountyclerk.com/ to access what they need.
Vital Records
The Combs, Kentucky, vital records, such as birth and death certificates, are maintained by the Perry County Health Department, located at 156 N Main St, Hazard, KY 41701. This office also handles marriage licenses and other vital documents. Individuals can request copies of these records by contacting the health department or visiting their website at https://www.perrychd.org/.
Business & Licensing Records
Business records for Combs, Kentucky, are maintained by the Kentucky Secretary of State's office, which handles registration and incorporation of businesses statewide. Residents and business owners looking for information on registered companies, assumed names, and related documents can visit the Secretary of State's website at https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-services/Pages/default.aspx.
Economy & Demographics
Combs, Kentucky, has a diverse economy that is primarily driven by agriculture, mining, and local industry. The city is home to several farms, as well as a number of small businesses and manufacturing facilities. The Perry County Economic Development Authority, located at 129 N 1st St, Hazard, KY 41701, works to support and promote economic growth within the region. Individuals can access information about the local economy, including employment data, business resources, and economic development initiatives, by visiting the authority's website at https://www.perrycountyeda.com/.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Combs, Kentucky, participate in elections administered by the Perry County Clerk's Office as part of countywide operations. The Perry County Clerk, Suite 100, Hazard, KY 41701, phone (606) 436-4614, oversees voter registration, ballot preparation, election administration, and voter record maintenance. Kentucky residents can register online through the Kentucky State Board of Elections at https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/, by mail, or in person at the Perry County Clerk's office. Eligibility requires U.S.
Citizenship, Kentucky residency, being at least 18 years old by the next general election, and not being prohibited from voting due to felony conviction or court-determined mental incompetence. The registration deadline falls 29 days before any election. As an unincorporated community, Combs has no municipal elections, mayor, or city council. Residents vote in Perry County, state, and federal contests. Voters can find their assigned polling place using the Kentucky State Board of Elections lookup tool at https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/vic/ by entering their name and birth date or address. The County Clerk establishes polling locations by precinct. Under Kentucky law - KRS 117.015 and related statutes - certain election records are public, including voter registration lists available for purchase for legitimate election purposes, precinct-level results, and candidate filing information. These can be requested from the Perry County Clerk or accessed through the Kentucky State Board of Elections website at https://elect.ky.gov. In the November 2024 presidential election, Perry County recorded typical regional turnout with several thousand ballots cast, continuing the area's tradition of active participation in presidential races. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Combs and Perry County voters will decide several important races. Kentucky has no U.S. Senate seat up in 2026 - Senator Rand Paul was re-elected in 2022, and Senator Mitch McConnell's term extends to 2027. The Governor and constitutional officers elected in odd-numbered years won't appear on the 2026 ballot. However, voters will elect their U.S. Representative for Kentucky's 5th Congressional District, all 100 Kentucky House of Representatives seats including the district representing Perry County (currently District 86), and 19 of 38 Kentucky State Senate seats, as half the Senate is elected every two years. Perry County offices on the 2026 ballot include County Judge/Executive if the term cycle aligns, County Clerk, Sheriff, Jailer, Coroner, County Attorney, and Perry County Board of Education members. Kentucky requires an excuse for absentee voting. Eligible excuses under KRS 117.085 include being a student outside the county, being 65 or older, having a disability, participating in the state's address confidentiality program, being prevented from voting due to illness or confinement, being incarcerated but otherwise eligible, or working as an election officer outside your precinct. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Perry County Clerk by the statutory deadline - 7 days before election day for mail ballots, the second Tuesday before election for in-person absentee voting. Kentucky also offers no-excuse early in-person voting beginning the Thursday before election day through the Monday before election day at locations designated by the Perry County Clerk. Combs voters should contact the Perry County Clerk for specific information on early voting locations and hours for upcoming elections.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Limited: Partial Online | Arrest Logs: Limited: Online | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 6.5/10, Perry County provides reasonable public records access through Kentucky's statewide court system and Secretary of State databases, though property records and law enforcement logs require primarily in-person or phone contact with county offices in Hazard, reflecting the limited digital infrastructure typical of rural Appalachian counties
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Combs, Perry County, Kentucky?
Public schools in Combs, Perry County, Kentucky are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Kentucky Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Combs, Perry County, Kentucky?
Crime data for Combs, Perry County, Kentucky is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Combs, Perry County, Kentucky Library?
The Combs Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Perry County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Combs, Perry County, Kentucky Public Library located?
The Combs Public Library serves residents of Combs and the surrounding Perry County area in Kentucky. Contact the library or visit the Perry County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Combs, Perry County, Kentucky?
Fingerprinting services for Combs, Kentucky residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Perry County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Combs, Perry County, Kentucky, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Combs, Perry County, Kentucky including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Perry County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Combs, Kentucky?
To register to vote in Combs, Kentucky, residents can register online through the Kentucky State Board of Elections's website, by mail, or in person at the Perry County elections office. Kentucky requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Kentucky State Board of Elections's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Combs, contact the Perry County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Combs, Kentucky?
Property records for Combs, Kentucky are maintained by the Perry Property Valuation Administrator's Office and the Perry County County Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Perry County, including parcels in Combs. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Perry County County Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Kentucky counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Perry County offices at the county courthouse. The Perry County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Combs, Kentucky?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Combs, Kentucky residents are available through both county and state offices. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Vital Statistics, located in Frankfort, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Kentucky. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Perry County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Perry County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in Combs, Kentucky?
Business licensing for Combs, Kentucky operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Combs town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Combs limits. Perry County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Kentucky businesses must register with the Kentucky Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Kentucky licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Combs, contact the Combs clerk's office and the Perry County economic development office.