Felton Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Felton, Minnesota government websites.

  About Felton City Government
Annual Budget $1.2 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

Felton, Minnesota, operates under a city government structure known as the Felton City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large, serving staggered terms of four years each. The current council includes Mayor Scott L. Heller and council members David D. Johnson, Mary K. Heller, John R. Anderson, and Lisa M. Johnson.

For the fiscal year 2023, Felton's approximate annual operating budget is $1.2 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives. The city is committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in its financial operations.

The Felton City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Felton City Hall, located at 103 Main Street, Felton, MN 56536. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About Felton, Minnesota

Nestled in the heart of Clay County, Felton, Minnesota, is a quaint village that combines a close-knit community atmosphere with a rich agricultural backdrop. With a population of approximately 292 residents, Felton offers a unique charm that distinguishes it from larger neighboring towns. Founded in 1885, the village has grown from its early beginnings as a railroad stop into a small but vibrant community. Its major neighborhoods reflect the town's rural character and sense of togetherness, where residents often know their neighbors by name. The local economy is primarily supported by agriculture, with many residents engaged in farming and related activities. Additionally, Felton’s proximity to larger cities like Moorhead and Fargo positions it advantageously for those commuting for work, allowing residents to enjoy the serenity of village life while still accessing broader employment opportunities.

The Felton Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the community, dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. Residents may also seek assistance from the Clay County Sheriff's Office, which oversees law enforcement in the wider county area. For individuals looking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history in Felton, the process involves several steps. First, individuals should contact the Felton Police Department directly, where they can inquire about specific records. If the records are not available locally, reaching out to the Clay County Sheriff's Office may be the next step. For more comprehensive records, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension can be contacted to access the state's criminal repository. Many of these agencies may have online lookup portals, allowing for easier access to certain records and the ability to submit requests electronically. However, it is advisable to check each agency’s specific procedures and availability of information online for the most efficient service.

The judicial system serving Felton is the Clay County District Court, which handles a multitude of legal matters, including civil, criminal, and family cases. Residents looking to request court records can do so through the court’s online portal or by visiting the in-person clerk’s office located at the county courthouse. For vital records such as birth, death, or marriage certificates, requests can be directed to the Clay County Clerk-Recorder or the Minnesota Department of Health's vital records division. Property records, which provide details on land ownership and assessments, can be accessed through the Clay County Assessor's office, with many documents also available online for convenience. Additionally, public records requests can be made under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which typically ensures a response within 5 to 10 business days. This legal framework is designed to promote transparency and accountability, allowing residents to access the information they need while fostering trust between the local government and its community.

About Felton

Felton is a small city located in Clay County, Minnesota, situated approximately 20 miles east of Moorhead in the western part of the state along U.S. Highway 10. With a population of around 180 residents as of recent estimates, Felton was incorporated in 1901 and has retained its rural, agricultural character throughout its history. The city lies in the fertile Red River Valley region, known for its rich farmland supporting sugar beet, wheat, and soybean production. Felton is served by the Felton-Fertile Elementary School and is part of the Norman County East School District.
The community maintains a quiet, close-knit atmosphere with historic grain elevators that once served as economic anchors along the Great Northern Railway line, and residents enjoy easy access to both the agricultural heritage of western Minnesota and the larger services available in nearby Fargo-Moorhead. Public records for Felton residents are maintained by a combination of city, county, and state agencies. The City of Felton operates a small city hall that handles basic municipal records including city council meeting minutes, resolutions, and local ordinances. For most public records needs, Felton residents interact with Clay County offices located in Moorhead, the county seat. The Clay County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services and maintains incident reports and jail records. The Clay County District Court handles all court filings and case records. The Clay County Recorder's Office maintains property deeds, mortgages, and land records, while the Clay County Assessor's Office provides property tax and valuation information. Vital records such as birth and death certificates are managed by the Minnesota Department of Health, with some services available through the Clay County Public Health office. Minnesota's Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13) governs public access to government records, ensuring transparency while protecting certain private data.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Felton, Clay County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. The Moorhead Police Department serves the city of Moorhead, while the Dilworth Police Department covers the city of Dilworth. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its jurisdiction, handling local crimes and emergencies. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and share resources to enhance public safety across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Clay County Jail, located in Moorhead, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested in the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through the county's official website, where residents can search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process in Minnesota allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with conditions set by the court.

Court Records

Court records for Felton, Minnesota residents are handled by the Minnesota Seventh Judicial District Court, Clay County Courthouse, located at 807 11th Street North, Moorhead, MN 56560, phone (218) 299-5065. Clay County District Court has jurisdiction over all criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters originating in Felton and throughout Clay County.
Felony and gross misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes exceeding small claims limits, divorce and family law matters, child protection cases, probate and estate proceedings, and juvenile delinquency matters are all processed through this court. Misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor criminal cases are also heard at the District Court level, as Minnesota does not have separate municipal courts for most small cities. The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides free online access to court records through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system at https://pa.courts.state.mn.us/default.aspx. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney to view case summaries, filed documents, hearing schedules, and disposition information for most public cases. Certain cases such as juvenile proceedings, adoptions, and cases involving victim confidentiality are sealed from public view. Certified copies of court documents are available from the Clay County Court Administration office for a fee of $14 for the first page and $8 for each additional page. Remote access to court records through MCRO is free for searches and viewing, though printing or downloading documents may incur nominal fees. Passport services are also available at the Clay County Courthouse by appointment.

Criminal Records

Clay County's criminal records system includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Clay County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which includes information on convictions and active warrants. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension also offers a public access portal for certain criminal records, ensuring transparency and accessibility.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Clay County are maintained by the Clay County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency while protecting sensitive information. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Felton and Clay County, Minnesota are maintained by two primary county offices. The Clay County Assessor's Office, located at 807 11th Street North, Suite 303, Moorhead, MN 56560, phone (218) 299-5021, website https://www.co.clay.mn.us/268/Assessor, is responsible for property valuation, tax assessment, and maintaining property characteristic data.
The Assessor's website provides a free online property search tool where Felton residents and the public can search by property address, parcel identification number (PID), or owner name to view current assessed values, property classifications, square footage, lot size, year built, sales history, and tax information. Property data is updated annually following assessment reviews. The Clay County Recorder's Office, located at 807 11th Street North, Suite 102, Moorhead, MN 56560, phone (218) 299-5004, website https://www.co.clay.mn.us/269/Recorder, maintains official recordings of real property documents including warranty deeds, mortgage documents, satisfactions of mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. Minnesota Statute 386.21 requires that most real property documents be recorded with the county recorder to establish legal notice. The Recorder's Office provides free online access to recorded land documents through a searchable database at https://www.co.clay.mn.us/269/Recorder, where users can search by grantor/grantee name, document type, date range, or legal description. Images of recorded documents are viewable online at no charge. Clay County also offers a GIS parcel viewer through Beacon at https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/, which integrates mapping, aerial photography, and property data in an interactive format, allowing users to search Felton properties by address or parcel number and view boundary maps, zoning, and assessment information.

Economy & Demographics

Felton, Minnesota's economy reflects its deep agricultural roots in the Red River Valley, one of the most productive farming regions in the United States. The city's surrounding area is dominated by large-scale grain farming, with sugar beets, wheat, soybeans, and corn as primary crops. The American Crystal Sugar Company, with processing facilities in nearby Moorhead and Crookston, is a major agricultural employer for the region, purchasing sugar beets from farmers throughout Clay County.
Felton's economy is supplemented by small local businesses including agricultural service providers, grain elevators, and transportation services supporting the farming industry. Many Felton residents commute to nearby Moorhead and Fargo, North Dakota, for employment in healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing sectors. The Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, located approximately 20 miles west, provides diverse employment opportunities including Sanford Health, Essentia Health, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Microsoft's Fargo campus. Median household income for Felton is estimated in the mid-$50,000 to $60,000 range based on recent census estimates, slightly below the Clay County median but reflecting the city's rural character. Recent economic development in the broader Clay County area has focused on renewable energy, with wind farms and biofuel production adding to the agricultural economy. Felton's small population and limited commercial infrastructure mean that most economic activity centers on agriculture, with the city serving primarily as a residential community for farm families and rural workers who value the quiet lifestyle while maintaining access to larger employment centers.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement services for Felton, Minnesota are primarily provided by the Clay County Sheriff's Office, located at 807 11th Street North, Moorhead, MN 56560, phone (218) 299-5100, website https://www.co.clay.mn.us/271/Sheriffs-Office. The Sheriff's Office has countywide jurisdiction and handles patrol, investigations, and emergency response for Felton and other unincorporated areas and smaller cities in Clay County. Felton does not maintain its own police department. To request police reports or incident records from the Sheriff's Office, residents may visit the office in person during business hours or submit written requests citing specific case numbers or dates. Requests are processed under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13), which classifies certain law enforcement data as public while protecting active investigations and private victim information. Arrest and jail booking records for Clay County are maintained at the Clay County Detention Center, located at 915 9th Avenue North, Moorhead, MN 56560. An online inmate roster is available through the Clay County Sheriff's website, searchable by name, booking date, or charges. The roster typically displays current inmates' names, booking photos (mugshots), charges filed, bond amounts, booking dates, and expected release dates. Historical arrest records and detailed incident reports may require a formal data request submitted to the Sheriff's Records Division. Minnesota Statute 13.82 specifically addresses public and private criminal justice data, allowing public access to certain arrest information while protecting investigative data and juvenile records.

Vital Records

Vital records for Felton, Minnesota residents are primarily administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, located at P.O. Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499, phone (651) 201-5970, website https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/index.html. Birth certificates for individuals born in Minnesota are available through the state office with fees of $26 for a certified copy and $9 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com for expedited processing with additional service fees.
Birth records less than 100 years old are classified as private data under Minnesota Statutes Section 144.225 and are only available to the subject of the record (if age 18 or older), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or authorized representatives with proper identification. Death certificates are also issued by the Minnesota Department of Health with the same fee structure of $26 for the first certified copy and $9 for additional copies. Death records are considered private for a period of 30 years from the date of death. Marriage licenses and marriage certificates for Felton residents are issued by the Clay County Recorder's Office at 807 11th Street North, Suite 102, Moorhead, MN 56560, phone (218) 299-5004. The fee for a marriage license is $115, and couples must apply in person with valid photo identification. There is no waiting period in Minnesota, and the license is valid for six months. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available from the County Recorder for $9 each. Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are maintained by the Clay County District Court at 807 11th Street North, Moorhead, MN 56560, phone (218) 299-5065. Divorce records are public court records accessible through Minnesota Court Records Online or by request from Court Administration. Certified copies are available for $14 for the first page and $8 for each additional page.

Business & Licensing Records

Business and licensing records for Felton, Minnesota involve multiple jurisdictions depending on the type of business activity. The City of Felton does not require a general municipal business license for most commercial activities, though certain home-based businesses or specific activities may require zoning approval from the Felton City Council. For questions about local permits or zoning compliance, residents should contact Felton City Hall at 145 2nd Street, Felton, MN 56536.
Clay County does not impose a general county-level business license requirement, but specific regulated activities such as septic system installation, food service, or childcare may require county permits through the Clay County Environmental Health Division at (218) 299-5160. Fictitious business name registrations (Assumed Name or DBA filings) in Minnesota are filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State rather than at the county level. Business owners operating under a name other than their legal name must register through the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office, Business Services Division, located at 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55103, phone (651) 539-1515, website https://www.sos.state.mn.us/business-liens/. The assumed name filing fee is $50 and is searchable through the Secretary of State's free online database. Minnesota state business entity searches, including corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and nonprofits, are conducted through the Secretary of State's Business Database at https://mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us/Business/Search. This free searchable database provides entity status, registration date, registered office address, registered agent information, and officer/director names for active and dissolved entities. UCC financing statements (lien searches) are also filed with and searchable through the Minnesota Secretary of State's office. Commercial property tax information for businesses operating in Felton can be accessed through the Clay County Assessor's Office at (218) 299-5021 or via the online property search tool, which displays assessed values, classification codes, and tax amounts for commercial and industrial parcels.

Elections & Voter Records

Felton, Minnesota voters are served by the Clay County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which administers elections for the county. The office is located at 807 11th Street North, Suite 109, Moorhead, MN 56560, phone (218) 299-5009, website https://www.co.clay.mn.us/266/Elections. Minnesota offers online voter registration through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/VoterRegistration/VoterRegistrationMain.aspx, where eligible residents can register or update their registration up to 21 days before an election. Minnesota also allows Election Day registration at polling places with proper proof of residence such as a driver's license, utility bill, or another registered voter from the same precinct who can vouch for the applicant's address. Acceptable forms of identification include a Minnesota driver's license, state ID, tribal ID, or student ID, though voters without photo ID can still vote by having a registered voter vouch for their identity. Felton holds municipal elections for mayor and city council on a rotating basis, typically in November of odd-numbered years. The City of Felton has a mayor and four-member city council, with staggered terms. The next municipal election for Felton will be in November 2025 for certain council seats. Felton residents can find their assigned polling place by using the Polling Place Finder at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ or by contacting the Clay County Elections Office. Felton voters typically cast ballots at the Felton Community Center or City Hall depending on precinct boundaries. Minnesota's election records are highly transparent under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 and Chapter 201. Voter registration lists are classified as public data, though certain private information is protected. Campaign finance reports for all candidates and political committees are publicly available through the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board at https://cfb.mn.gov/. Candidate filings for federal, state, county, and municipal offices are public and maintained by the Secretary of State and county election offices. Precinct-level election results are published by the Secretary of State and Clay County following each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, Clay County recorded approximately 68% voter turnout with roughly 35,000 ballots cast from approximately 51,000 registered voters. The November 3, 2026 general election will be significant for Felton and Clay County voters. Minnesota does not have a U.S. Senate seat up for election in 2026, but all eight U.S. House seats, including Minnesota's 7th Congressional District which includes Clay County, will be on the ballot. The Minnesota Governor's office is not up for election in 2026 (next gubernatorial election is 2026). All 134 seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives and approximately half of the 67 Minnesota Senate seats will be contested, including State House District 4A and State Senate District 4, which serve the Felton area. Clay County will also have elections for County Commissioner seats, County Attorney, Sheriff, Auditor-Treasurer, and Recorder. Felton municipal offices may also appear on the ballot if terms expire in 2026. Minnesota offers no-excuse absentee voting; any registered voter may request an absentee ballot online at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/AbsenteeBallotStatus.aspx or by contacting the Clay County Elections Office. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the county by the Thursday before Election Day for timely delivery, though in-person absentee voting is available at the county office until 5:00 PM the day before the election. Completed absentee ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Military and overseas voters have additional options under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Clay County and Minnesota provide exceptional public records access with comprehensive online databases for courts, property, business entities, and elections, along with real-time jail rosters and convenient vital records ordering, representing one of the most transparent public records systems in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Felton, Clay County, Minnesota to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Felton, Minnesota, you will be transported to the Clay County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Clay County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Clay County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Felton area is served by public school districts in Clay County, Minnesota. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Minnesota Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Felton, Minnesota are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Felton Police Department on their official website. The Minnesota Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Felton Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Minnesota government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Felton Public Library main branch is located in Felton, Minnesota. Check the Felton city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Felton, Minnesota are available through the Felton Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Clay County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Felton, Minnesota, contact the Minnesota Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Clay County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Felton, Minnesota can be obtained from the Felton Police Department or the Clay County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Minnesota Data Practices Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Minnesota DMV.
A background check in Felton, Clay County, Minnesota typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Minnesota criminal history report through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Clay County, Minnesota

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Barnesville Comstock Dilworth Georgetown Glyndon Hawley Hitterdal Moorhead