Madelia Public Records Directory

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

  About Madelia City Government
Annual Budget $1.8 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Madelia, Minnesota, is the Madelia City Council, which consists of five members. Council members are elected at-large, with each serving a term of four years. The current council includes Mayor Gary D. Dufner and Council Members John H. Heller, Karen L. Heller, Dan E. Lutz, and Brian J. W. McCarthy.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Madelia is $1.8 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development.

The Madelia City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:30 PM. Meetings take place at the Madelia City Hall, located at 23 West Main Street, Madelia, MN 56062. These sessions are open to the public, allowing residents to engage with their local government and stay informed about city matters.

  About Madelia, Minnesota

Madelia, Minnesota, located in Watonwan County, has a current population of 2,237 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. This small city is known for its rich agricultural heritage and community spirit. Notable landmarks include the Madelia Community Center, which serves as a hub for local events and activities, and the historic St. Mary's Catholic Church, a significant architectural feature in the area. The city is also home to the Madelia Sports Complex, which offers recreational facilities for various sports.

Historically, Madelia was established in the late 19th century and became a key trading post for the surrounding agricultural community. The city has a strong economic foundation, primarily driven by agriculture and small businesses. In 2022, the city had a total budget of approximately $1.6 million, which supports essential services such as public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development. Madelia's commitment to preserving its history while fostering growth makes it a unique place within Watonwan County.

  Madelia, Minnesota Public Records & Government Resources

About Madelia

Madelia, located in Watonwan County, Minnesota, has a current population of 2,352 residents as of the 2020 U.S. Census. This small city is known for its rich agricultural heritage and community-focused atmosphere. With a ZIP code of 56062, Madelia offers a range of public records and government resources for its residents and the surrounding area.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Watonwan County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by municipal police departments, including the St. James Police Department and the Madelia Police Department. These city departments handle law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, focusing on local ordinances and community policing. Coordination between the Sheriff's Office and city police departments is essential for addressing major crimes and ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Watonwan County Jail, located in St. James, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmates can be searched through the county's online inmate lookup tool, which provides information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance.

Court Records

Court records for Madelia and Watonwan County are maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Residents can access case information, including criminal histories, through the state's public records portal at https://mncourts.gov/access-case-records. This includes the ability to search for and obtain copies of court documents related to civil, criminal, and other legal matters within the jurisdiction.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Watonwan County encompasses felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Watonwan County Sheriff's Office, along with local police departments, maintains these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides statewide criminal history information. The bureau's services are crucial for employers, landlords, and individuals seeking comprehensive background checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Watonwan County are maintained by the Watonwan County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, adhering to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which governs public access to government records. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency.

Public Records Access

The City of Madelia maintains a comprehensive website at http://www.madeliamn.com/, which provides access to various public records and information about the city. This includes details about the city's history, recreation opportunities, and other community resources. For more specific public records requests, residents can visit the Watonwan County website or contact the appropriate government agencies.

Economy & Demographics

Madelia's economy is largely driven by its agricultural heritage, with a focus on crops and livestock production. The city's website at http://www.madeliamn.com/Recreation.php provides information about local businesses and economic development initiatives. Residents and interested parties can also explore economic data and public records related to the city's industries and workforce through the Watonwan County Economic Development Authority and other regional resources.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement records for Madelia and Watonwan County are handled by the Watonwan County Sheriff's Office and the Madelia Police Department. Residents can request copies of police reports, arrest records, and other law enforcement-related documents by contacting the appropriate agency. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension also maintains a statewide database of criminal histories that can be accessed by the public.

Vital Records

Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates for Madelia residents, are maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health. These records can be accessed through the state's vital records website at https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/index.html. Residents can also obtain copies of these records by contacting the Watonwan County Recorder's Office.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses operating in Madelia can find information about licenses, permits, and other requirements on the city's website at http://www.madeliamn.com/. The Watonwan County website also provides resources for businesses, including information about economic development and local chamber of commerce activities. Residents and businesses can search for public records related to local commerce and industry through these online resources.

Elections & Voter Records

Madelia voters are served by the Watonwan County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which administers elections for the county. The office is located at 710 2nd Avenue South, St. James, MN 56081 (phone: 507-375-1218), and the county election information is available at www.co.watonwan.mn.us. Minnesota residents can register to vote online through the Minnesota Secretary of State at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us up to 21 days before an election, or register in person at their polling place on Election Day with proof of residence. Acceptable documents include a Minnesota driver's license, state ID, tribal ID, current utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement showing the voter's current address. Minnesota does not require voter ID but does require proof of residence for registration. Madelia conducts municipal elections for Mayor and City Council members; the Mayor serves a two-year term and Council members serve four-year staggered terms. The next Madelia municipal election is scheduled for November 2025 for city offices. Candidate filings and local ballot questions are managed through the city clerk at Madelia City Hall and coordinated with Watonwan County. Madelia residents can find their assigned polling place using the Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us by entering their address; Madelia typically votes at the Madelia Community Center. Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 201, voter registration lists are public data, and precinct-level election results are published by the county auditor after each election. Campaign finance reports for local candidates are filed with the Watonwan County elections office and are available for public inspection. In the November 2024 general election, Watonwan County reported approximately 63% voter turnout, with roughly 3,100 of 4,900 registered voters casting ballots in the presidential election. On November 3, 2026, Madelia and Watonwan County voters will decide several important races: one of Minnesota's U.S. Senate seats (Class II), Minnesota's statewide constitutional offices including Governor and Lieutenant Governor (four-year terms), all 134 Minnesota House seats, and various Watonwan County offices including County Commissioners, Sheriff, Attorney, Auditor-Treasurer, and Recorder. Minnesota State Senate District 16 and House Districts 16A/16B serve the Madelia area. Minnesota voters can request absentee ballots online through mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us or by contacting the Watonwan County Auditor-Treasurer; applications must be received by the county no later than one day before the election (or one week before for mail delivery). Minnesota allows no-excuse absentee voting, and registered voters are automatically eligible to vote by mail.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.2/10 — Watonwan County and Minnesota provide excellent online access to court records through MNCIS, property records through the county assessor and recorder systems, business entity searches through the Secretary of State, vital records ordering through VitalChek, and comprehensive election services including online registration and results, though jail booking information is somewhat limited online compared to larger counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Madelia, Watonwan County, Minnesota to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Madelia, Minnesota, you will be transported to the Watonwan County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Watonwan County Court. Under Minnesota law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The Watonwan County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer/ where you can look up current detainees.
The school district for Madelia, Watonwan County, Minnesota is the Madelia Public School District. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the district had an overall score of 73.2 out of 100 for the 2018-2019 school year. This score is based on a variety of factors, including student performance on state tests, graduation rates, and other measures of student success.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, there were a total of 11 reported crimes in Madelia, Watonwan County, Minnesota in 2019. Of those 11 reported crimes, there were 4 violent crimes (1 aggravated assault, 1 robbery, and 2 rapes) and 7 property crimes (2 burglaries, 4 larcenies, and 1 motor vehicle theft).
The Madelia Public Library in Watonwan County, Minnesota provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Minnesota government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which governs access to government documents in Minnesota. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Madelia Minnesota Archives and Genealogy at https://www.mnhs.org/genealogy. Contact the Madelia Public Library reference desk at (507) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Madelia, Watonwan County, Minnesota Library is located at:

Madelia Public Library

125 North Main Street
Madelia, MN 56062
Phone: (507) 642-3111
Fingerprinting services for Madelia, Minnesota residents are provided at the Madelia Police Department, which serves Watonwan County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Madelia Police Department at (507) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) at https://cch.bca.state.mn.us/.
To obtain vital records for Madelia, Watonwan County, Minnesota, you will need to contact the Watonwan County Recorder's Office. You can reach them by phone or by mail.

The vital records available from the Watonwan County Recorder's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. You will need to provide the full name of the person whose record you are requesting, as well as the date and place of the event. You will also need to provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person whose record you are requesting.
Police reports from Madelia, Minnesota can be obtained from the Madelia Police Department, located in Watonwan County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, most police reports are public records in Minnesota, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Madelia Police Department Records Division at (507) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://cch.bca.state.mn.us/.
A background check in Madelia, Watonwan County, Minnesota typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Minnesota. Criminal background checks are processed through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Minnesota residents. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) provides official criminal history checks at https://cch.bca.state.mn.us/. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
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