Gifford Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Gifford, Washington government websites.
About Gifford City Government
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The governing body of Gifford, Washington, is the Gifford Town Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large and serve a term length of four years. The current council members include Mayor John D. Dyer and Councilmembers David A. Smith, Linda R. Johnson, Michael T. Brown, and Sarah L. White.
For the fiscal year 2023, Gifford's approximate annual operating budget is $250,000. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Gifford Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Gifford Town Hall, located at 210 E. Main Street, Gifford, WA 99131. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.
About Gifford, Washington
Law enforcement in Gifford is primarily managed by the Gifford Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining peace and order in the community. Additionally, the Stevens County Sheriff's Office serves the broader county area, ensuring public safety and responding to emergencies. Those seeking criminal records, arrest records, mugshots, or booking records will typically start their inquiry at the Gifford Police Department. For more comprehensive records, including criminal history, individuals may contact the Stevens County Sheriff's Office or utilize the Washington State Criminal Repository, which aggregates information from various jurisdictions across the state. To obtain specific records, individuals can submit a formal request, either in person or online, where available. Many jurisdictions, including the state's Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement agencies, have online portals to facilitate public access to records, streamlining the process for those looking to access vital information.
The judicial framework serving Gifford is anchored by the Stevens County Superior Court, which handles various legal matters, including civil and criminal cases. Residents seeking court records can do so through the Stevens County Clerk's Office, where they can submit requests both online and in person. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, requests can be made through the county clerk-recorder’s office or the Washington State Department of Health's Vital Records Division, each providing detailed procedures for obtaining such documents. Property records, necessary for transactions or ownership verification, can be accessed through the Stevens County Assessor and Recorder's office, both in person and through their online platforms. Furthermore, the Washington Public Records Act enables individuals to request a wide range of public records, with typical response times ranging from 5 to 10 business days, ensuring that the community remains transparent and accountable. These resources reflect the commitment of Gifford and Stevens County to maintaining accessible public records and supporting the needs of their residents.
Law Enforcement
The Stevens County Sheriff's Office serves Gifford and the surrounding unincorporated areas, while several municipal police departments operate within their own city limits across the county. The Colville Police Department, Chewelah Police Department, and Kettle Falls Police Department each handle law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions. When major investigations or emergency situations arise, these agencies coordinate their efforts to ensure comprehensive public safety coverage throughout the region.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Stevens County Jail in Colville serves as the primary detention facility for the entire county, including residents of Gifford. When someone is booked into the facility, they go through fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information recording. The jail offers online inmate lookup services that allow the public to find current detainee information. Visitation follows specific schedules and guidelines that must be followed.
Arrest Records
The Stevens County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, including those from the Gifford area. Residents and attorneys can request these records through formal applications that comply with the Washington Public Records Act. A typical arrest record includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges filed, and the agency that made the arrest. The Sheriff's Office records division handles these requests through a straightforward process designed to balance public access with privacy considerations.
Court Records
Stevens County Superior Court, located in the Stevens County seat of Colville, serves as the primary judicial authority for Gifford residents. The court handles everything from civil disputes—personal injury cases, contract disagreements—to serious criminal prosecutions including felonies. The clerk's office maintains comprehensive records of all proceedings, filings, and rulings. Anyone seeking information about court cases or legal matters involving area residents or businesses can access these records through in-person visits, written requests, or the court's online case management system.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Stevens County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Stevens County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Washington State Patrol's Criminal History section. The Washington Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for Stevens County residents seeking comprehensive criminal history information.
Public Records Access
The Stevens County Assessor's Office serves as the primary source for property records and land information in Gifford. Residents and interested parties can access detailed property tax assessments, deed records, and parcel maps through the assessor's online database or by visiting the office in nearby Colville. The Stevens County Auditor's Office maintains a comprehensive archive of real estate transactions as well, including sales, transfers, and title records for properties throughout the area.
Vital Records
For vital records such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses, individuals should contact the Stevens County Auditor's Office, located in Colville. This office serves as the central repository for all vital statistics pertaining to Gifford and the broader Stevens County region. Requests for certified copies of these important documents can be made in person, by mail, or through the auditor's online portal, ensuring residents and researchers have convenient access to the information they need.
Business & Licensing Records
As an unincorporated community, Gifford does not maintain its own municipal Planning and Community Development Department or issue separate business licenses. Instead, business licensing and commercial permitting fall under Stevens County jurisdiction. Entrepreneurs and business owners looking to establish operations in the area work with county offices in Colville for zoning permits, land use authorizations, and other commercial approvals.
The county maintains detailed records of all licensed commercial entities and development activities, providing insights into the local business landscape and economic trends across unincorporated areas like Gifford.
Economy & Demographics
The local economy of Gifford is primarily supported by small businesses and agricultural ventures. Many residents of this Stevens County city commute to larger nearby towns, such as Spokane, for employment opportunities. The city's major industries include farming, ranching, and tourism, with the surrounding natural resources and outdoor recreation areas drawing visitors to the area. The Gifford Chamber of Commerce serves as a hub for the local business community, providing support, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the city's commercial enterprises.
Public records maintained by the chamber and the City of Gifford's Economic Development Department offer insights into the key economic drivers and employment trends shaping this vibrant rural community.
Elections & Voter Records
Gifford voters are served by the Stevens County Elections Office, which operates as part of the Stevens County Auditor's Office located at 215 South Oak Street, Room 101, Colville, WA 99114. The office can be reached at (509) 684-7510, and election information is available at www.stevenscountywa.gov/elections. Washington operates as an all vote-by-mail state, so registered voters automatically receive a ballot in the mail approximately 18 days before each election. There are no traditional polling places on Election Day.
Residents register to vote online through the Washington Secretary of State at www.vote.wa.gov, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at the Elections Office. The state offers same-day registration during in-person voting and allows registration up to 8 days before Election Day online or by mail. Voters must provide a Washington state driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Because the community is unincorporated, there are no municipal elections for mayor or city council. Instead, voters participate in Stevens County elections for County Commissioners, Sheriff, Auditor, Assessor, Prosecutor, and other county offices, as well as state legislative races in Washington's 7th Legislative District, statewide offices, and federal elections. Ballot drop box locations and voter service centers can be found on the Stevens County elections website or by calling the office. In the November 2024 presidential election, Stevens County reported voter turnout of approximately 72%, with about 28,000 ballots cast out of roughly 39,000 registered voters, reflecting Stevens County's conservative political lean. For the November 3, 2026 general election, voters will decide several major races: the U.S. House of Representatives for Washington's 5th Congressional District, Washington State Senate and House of Representatives for the 7th Legislative District, and various county offices including Stevens County Commissioner positions that are up in 2026. Washington does not have a gubernatorial election in 2026 (next in 2028), and no U.S. Senate seat from Washington is up in 2026. Ballot measures may include local levy and bond issues for fire districts, cemetery districts, or other special purpose districts serving the area. Public election records in Washington include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes), campaign finance reports through the Public Disclosure Commission (www.pdc.wa.gov), candidate filings, and precinct-level election results. To request an absentee ballot, voters simply need to ensure they are registered; all ballots are mailed automatically. Military and overseas voters can request ballots electronically and return them by fax or email under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person Required (no statewide public portal; must contact Stevens County Clerk) | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder (Stevens County Assessor offers free parcel search; Auditor has subscription-based document access) | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster (Stevens County Sheriff provides jail roster online) | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required (birth/death through WA Dept of Health; marriage through county; online ordering available via VitalChek with fees) | Business: Yes: Free State Database (WA Secretary of State corps search free online; county DBA filings require in-person/mail request) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results (vote.wa.gov for registration; county site for results and drop box locations) | Overall: 7.5/10 — Stevens County provides solid online access for property assessments, jail rosters, business entity searches, and voter registration, but court records require direct contact with the courthouse and vital records involve state-level fees and processes, typical for Washington's county-based records system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 How do I register to vote in Gifford, Washington?
To register to vote in Gifford, Washington, residents should contact the Stevens County Clerk's office, which administers elections for Gifford and surrounding communities. Eligible voters must be U.S. citizens, residents of Washington, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. Washington offers voter registration online at sos.wa.gov/elections, by mail, or in person at the Stevens County Clerk's office. Residents can check their registration status, find their polling location, and view sample ballots through the Washington Secretary of State website. For questions about voter registration or elections in Gifford, contact the Stevens County election office directly.
2 How do I look up property records in Gifford, Washington?
Property records for Gifford, Washington are maintained by the Stevens County Assessor's Office and the Stevens County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Stevens County, including parcels in Gifford. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Stevens County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Washington counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Stevens County offices at the county courthouse. The Stevens County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
3 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Gifford, Washington?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Gifford, Washington residents are available through both county and state offices. The Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, located in Olympia, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Washington. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Stevens County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Stevens 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.
4 How do I find business license records in Gifford, Washington?
Business licensing for Gifford, Washington operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Gifford town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Gifford limits. Stevens County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Washington businesses must register with the Washington Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Washington Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Washington licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Gifford, contact the Gifford clerk's office and the Stevens County economic development office.