Tell City Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Tell City, Indiana government websites.

  About Tell City City Government
Annual Budget $3.5 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

Tell City, Indiana, is governed by the Tell City Common Council, which consists of 6 elected members. Council members are elected at-large and serve a term length of 4 years. The current council members include President Chris Cail, Vice President Jim Adams, and members Judy McCarty, Mike R. Denny, and others, as of the latest election cycle.

The approximate annual operating budget for Tell City for the fiscal year 2023 is $3.5 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Tell City Common Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Tell City Council Chambers, located at 123 Main Street, Tell City, IN 47586. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About Tell City, Indiana

Nestled along the banks of the Ohio River in Perry County, Indiana, the city of Tell City boasts a rich history and vibrant community life that captivates residents and visitors alike. With an estimated population of approximately 7,150, Tell City was founded in 1858 by German immigrants, whose influence is still evident today in the city’s cultural events and culinary offerings. The city's major neighborhoods include the historic downtown area, where charming brick buildings house local shops and eateries, and residential developments that provide a variety of housing options for families and young professionals. Tell City’s economy is primarily driven by manufacturing, particularly in the production of lumber and wood products, with several key employers, including local sawmills and furniture manufacturers. Distinctively, Tell City is known for its annual events such as the Schweizer Fest, which celebrates the city’s German heritage with food, music, and community activities, attracting visitors from across the region and fostering a strong sense of community pride.

The Tell City Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the city, ensuring the safety and security of its residents. In addition to the city police, the Perry County Sheriff's Office oversees law enforcement duties in the surrounding areas, providing a comprehensive approach to public safety. For those seeking criminal records, the process begins with the Tell City Police Department, where individuals can request arrest records, mugshots, and booking records. These documents can often be obtained through a formal request at the police department, where staff can guide individuals through the necessary paperwork. For more serious inquiries or past records, the Perry County Sheriff's Office is also a valuable resource. Furthermore, individuals interested in accessing statewide criminal history can contact the Indiana State Police or the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, which maintains a central repository for criminal records. Online portals are also available for many of these records, allowing for easier access and convenience.

In terms of judicial matters, Tell City is served by the Perry County Circuit Court, which handles a wide array of legal cases, including civil, criminal, and family law. Those seeking court records can request access either through the court's online portal or by visiting the county clerk's office in person. The clerk's staff are available to assist individuals in locating specific records, ensuring transparency and accessibility in the judicial process. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, residents can contact the Perry County Clerk-Recorder’s office or utilize the services offered by Indiana Vital Records for statewide searches. When it comes to property records, the county assessor's and recorder's offices maintain comprehensive databases that can be accessed online for public viewing. Additionally, under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, citizens have the right to request various public documents, typically receiving responses within 5 to 10 business days, further ensuring that transparency remains a key tenet of local governance in Tell City.

About Tell City

Tell City is a charming river city located in Perry County, Indiana, situated along a sweeping bend of the Ohio River in the southwestern part of the state. With a population of approximately 7,200 residents, Tell City was founded in 1858 by the Swiss Colonization Society and named after Swiss national hero William Tell. The city is known for its rich Swiss-German heritage, beautiful riverfront views, and historic downtown architecture. Tell City has long been recognized for its furniture manufacturing industry, with Tell City Chair Company operating for over a century until 2008.
Major employers today include River Metals Recycling, Troy Industries, Cannelton Industries, and the Tell City-Troy Township School Corporation. The city's scenic location along the Ohio River has made it a regional hub for river recreation and tourism, with the Tell City Marina and riverfront parks attracting visitors year-round. Public records for Tell City residents are maintained by a combination of city departments and Perry County agencies. The Tell City Clerk-Treasurer's Office at 638 Main Street handles municipal records including city ordinances, council meeting minutes, and local business licenses. The Tell City Police Department maintains law enforcement records for incidents within city limits. Perry County serves Tell City residents through the Perry County Courthouse complex in Cannelton, which houses the Circuit Court, County Clerk, Recorder, Assessor, and other offices maintaining court records, property deeds, marriage licenses, and land records. Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3) governs the disclosure of public records throughout the state, ensuring that Tell City and Perry County residents can request and obtain government documents. Most property and some court records are available online through county and state portals, while other records require in-person requests or written applications to the appropriate custodian.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Perry County is provided by the Perry County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, including the Tell City Police Department and the Cannelton Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while the city departments focus on their respective municipalities. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies to ensure a unified response and effective policing across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Perry County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested in the county. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to access information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, and visitors must comply with scheduled times and security protocols.

Court Records

Tell City residents are served by the Perry Circuit Court, located at the Perry County Courthouse, 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586 (phone: 812-547-3741). The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all criminal matters including felonies and misdemeanors, civil cases, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate and estate administration, guardianships, juvenile cases, and small claims up to $10,000. Perry County does not maintain a separate superior court; the Circuit Court handles all case types for county residents including those living in Tell City.
Court records for Perry County cases can be searched through the Indiana Judicial Branch's online system, Mycase.IN.gov, which provides free public access to case information, party names, charges, dispositions, and court dates for both criminal and civil matters. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney to find Tell City area cases. The Perry County Clerk's Office, also located at 2219 Payne Street (phone: 812-547-3741), serves as the official record keeper for all court documents and can provide certified copies of judgments, orders, and case files. Fees for certified copies are typically $1.00 per page after the first page, with a minimum fee of $2.00, though rates may vary by document type. Marriage licenses are also issued through the Clerk's Office at a fee of approximately $18.00 for Indiana residents. For sensitive matters such as sealed records, expungements, or adoption files, access may be restricted and require a court order.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Perry County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Perry County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act. Background checks can be conducted through the Indiana State Police, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The Indiana Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for residents seeking information on criminal records and public safety.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Perry County are maintained by the Perry 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 records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings. Indiana's Access to Public Records Act governs the availability of these records, ensuring transparency and public access while protecting sensitive information.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Tell City are maintained by Perry County offices. The Perry County Assessor's Office, located at 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586 (phone: 812-547-4928), maintains property assessment data for all parcels in Tell City and throughout Perry County. The Assessor's records include property tax assessments, parcel numbers, legal descriptions, assessed values, property characteristics (square footage, year built, acreage), and ownership history.
Perry County provides online property tax and assessment information through the Indiana Gateway portal at gatewayindiana.com, where users can search by owner name, parcel number, or property address to view current and historical assessment data free of charge. The Perry County Recorder's Office, also at 2219 Payne Street (phone: 812-547-2040), is responsible for recording and maintaining permanent records of all real estate transactions in Perry County, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, and other instruments affecting real property title. Indiana law requires these documents to be recorded to provide public notice of ownership and encumbrances. Many Perry County land records have been digitized and can be searched online through the county's recording system or third-party vendors, though some historical documents may require in-person research at the Recorder's Office. The Indiana State GIS provides a countywide parcel viewer that integrates with Perry County data, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, zoning information, and ownership details on interactive maps. Property searches can be conducted by street address, owner name, or parcel identification number.

Economy & Demographics

Tell City's economy has historically centered on manufacturing, particularly furniture production, though the economic base has diversified in recent decades. The Tell City Chair Company, which operated from 1865 to 2008, was once the city's largest employer and a nationally recognized furniture manufacturer.
Today, major employers in Tell City include River Metals Recycling, which operates a scrap metal processing facility employing several hundred workers; Troy Industries, a manufacturer of firearms accessories and tactical equipment; Cannelton Industries, which produces wood products; and the Tell City-Troy Township School Corporation, which employs educators and support staff throughout the district. Perry County Memorial Hospital and affiliated healthcare facilities also provide significant employment. The city's location on the Ohio River continues to support river-related industries including barge transportation, marina services, and recreational tourism. The William Tell Schützenfest, held annually in Tell City, is one of the region's largest festivals and draws thousands of visitors, supporting local hospitality and retail businesses. The median household income in Tell City is estimated at approximately $45,000-$50,000, slightly below the Indiana state median but reflecting the community's working-class manufacturing heritage. Recent economic development efforts have focused on riverfront revitalization, downtown business district improvements, and attracting light manufacturing and distribution companies taking advantage of the city's river access and proximity to Interstate 64. Tell City serves as Perry County's largest municipality and commercial center, with retail, banking, and professional services concentrated along the Highway 66 corridor and historic Main Street.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Tell City Police Department, located at 1030 17th Street, Tell City, IN 47586, serves as the primary law enforcement agency within Tell City's municipal boundaries. Residents can contact the department at (812) 547-3636. The department maintains records of police reports, incident reports, accident reports, and arrest records for events occurring within the city. To request police records, individuals can visit the police department in person during business hours or submit a written request. Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3-3) provides the legal framework for requesting law enforcement records, though certain investigative records and confidential information may be exempt from disclosure. The Perry County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586 (phone: 812-547-3111), has jurisdiction throughout all of Perry County including unincorporated areas and provides support to Tell City Police when needed. The Sheriff's Office operates the Perry County Jail and maintains custody records for all individuals detained in the county. To search for current inmates and recent arrests in Perry County, the public can access the Perry County Sheriff's Office jail roster, typically available by contacting the jail directly or visiting the facility. Booking information generally includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges filed, bond amount, and sometimes booking photographs. Indiana public records law requires that arrest records and jail rosters be available for public inspection unless sealed by court order, making these among the most accessible law enforcement records in Tell City and Perry County.

Vital Records

Vital records for Tell City residents are managed at both the county and state levels. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Indiana State Department of Health, Vital Records Office, located at 2 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Certified copies of birth certificates for individuals born in Tell City or anywhere in Indiana can be ordered through the state vital records office by mail, in-person, or online at the Indiana State Department of Health website (vitalrecords.in.gov).
The current fee for a certified birth certificate is $28.00, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $10.00 each. Death certificates cost $28.00 for a certified copy. Processing time is typically 7-10 business days for mail requests and 3-5 business days for online orders, with expedited service available for an additional fee. The Perry County Health Department, located at 320 18th Street, Tell City, IN 47586 (phone: 812-547-6631), can provide informational copies of birth and death records for events occurring in Perry County, though certified copies for legal purposes must be obtained from the state. Marriage licenses are issued by the Perry County Clerk's Office at 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586 (phone: 812-547-3741). The marriage license fee is approximately $18.00 for Indiana residents, and couples must apply in person with valid government-issued photo identification and Social Security numbers. There is no waiting period in Indiana, and the license is valid for 60 days. Divorce records are maintained as court records through the Perry Circuit Court, and certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained from the County Clerk. Indiana law restricts access to vital records to immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a documented legal interest, requiring applicants to provide valid identification and proof of relationship.

Business & Licensing Records

Business licensing and registration for Tell City operates at multiple government levels. The City of Tell City requires business licenses for most commercial activities operating within city limits. Business owners can obtain license applications and information from the Tell City Clerk-Treasurer's Office at 638 Main Street, Tell City, IN 47586 (phone: 812-547-7801). License fees and renewal schedules vary depending on business type and classification. The city maintains records of active business licenses, which are generally public record and can be inspected during normal business hours.
Perry County does not maintain a separate county-level business registration system beyond what is required by state law. For fictitious business name registration (Doing Business As or DBA), businesses operating in Tell City must register with the Indiana Secretary of State if operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership using a name other than the owner's legal name. All Indiana business entity filings, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and assumed business names, are handled through the Indiana Secretary of State's office. The INBiz portal (inbiz.in.gov) provides free online access to search all registered business entities in Indiana, including those based in Tell City. Users can search by business name, registered agent, business ID number, or principal name to view entity status, formation date, registered agent information, business address, and officer/member names. The Secretary of State's office also maintains UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filings, which are searchable online and show secured interests and liens against business assets. Business owners in Tell City pay property taxes on commercial real estate and business personal property through the Perry County Assessor and Treasurer's offices. Commercial property assessments can be searched through the same online portals as residential properties at gatewayindiana.com, allowing prospective buyers or competitors to research property tax burdens on Tell City businesses.

Elections & Voter Records

Tell City voters are served by the Perry County Clerk's Office, which administers elections for all Perry County residents. The Perry County Clerk is located at the Perry County Courthouse, 2219 Payne Street, Tell City, IN 47586, and can be reached at (812) 547-3741. The office maintains voter registration records, processes absentee ballot applications, certifies candidates for local offices, and tabulates election results for all county precincts including those in Tell City. Indiana residents can register to vote online at indianavoters.in.gov, the official Indiana Voter Portal maintained by the Secretary of State's office. The deadline to register or update registration is 29 days before any election. Voters must provide their Indiana driver's license or state ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number. Tell City, as an incorporated municipality, holds municipal elections for the positions of Mayor and City Council members. These elections are held in odd-numbered years, with the most recent municipal election in November 2023 and the next scheduled for November 2027. Tell City has a five-member Common Council elected from districts. To find candidates for Tell City municipal races, residents can contact the Perry County Clerk or visit the city website during election seasons. Tell City voters cast ballots at assigned polling places based on their precinct; residents can find their specific polling location by using the Indiana Voter Portal at indianavoters.in.gov or by contacting the Perry County Clerk. Indiana law makes certain election records public, including voter registration lists (available for purchase by political parties and candidates), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees (searchable through the Indiana Campaign Finance portal), candidate declarations of candidacy, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 general election, Perry County reported approximately 65-70% voter turnout, reflecting strong civic engagement in this presidential election year. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Tell City and Perry County voters will decide several significant races. Indiana will hold elections for all nine U.S. House of Representatives seats, including the district serving Perry County. The 2026 ballot will also include races for Indiana Secretary of State, Indiana Auditor, and Indiana Treasurer, all elected statewide. Perry County voters will elect county-level officials including County Council members, county commissioners, and various county offices depending on the election cycle. Indiana state legislative seats representing Tell City (both State Senate and State House districts) will be on the ballot. Voters should check with the Perry County Clerk closer to the election for the final certified list of candidates and any local ballot questions or referenda. Indiana offers absentee voting by mail for voters who meet specific criteria, including being 65 or older, having a disability, being scheduled to work all 12 hours polls are open, being a member of the military, being a caregiver, being confined due to illness or jury, or having a religious obligation. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the Indiana Voter Portal or by downloading a form and submitting it to the Perry County Clerk's office. The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot by mail is 11 days before Election Day. Indiana also offers early in-person voting at designated locations in Perry County, typically beginning 28 days before an election.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal (Mycase.IN.gov) | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor (Gateway Indiana) | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online (contact Sheriff for jail roster) | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering (Indiana State Vital Records) | Business: ✅ Free State Database (INBiz portal) | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results (Indiana Voter Portal) | Overall: 8.2/10 — Perry County and Tell City offer strong digital access to most public records through state portals, though some law enforcement records require direct agency contact

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Tell City, Perry County, Indiana to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Tell City, Indiana, you will be transported to the Perry 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 Perry County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Perry County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Tell City area is served by public school districts in Perry County, Indiana. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Indiana Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Tell City, Indiana 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 Tell City Police Department on their official website. The Indiana Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Tell City Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Indiana government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Tell City Public Library main branch is located in Tell City, Indiana. Check the Tell City city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Tell City, Indiana are available through the Tell City 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 Perry County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Tell City, Indiana, contact the Indiana Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Perry 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 Tell City, Indiana can be obtained from the Tell City Police Department or the Perry County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Indiana DMV.
A background check in Tell City, Perry County, Indiana 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 Indiana criminal history report through the Indiana Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Perry County, Indiana

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Branchville Bristow Cannelton Derby Leopold Rome Saint Croix