Jefferson County, Wisconsin, is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy describes how we collect, use, and share information through our website. Further. Wisconsin public records law ensures the public has access to appropriate records and information possessed by county government. Jefferson County endeavors to protect personal information by collecting only the necessary information to provide our services.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our site, we automatically collect technical data to improve performance. This includes but is not limited to:
- Your IP Address and domain name.
- Browser type and operating system.
- Date and time of your visit.
- Pages accessed and any files downloaded.
Information You Provide Voluntarily
We only collect personally identifiable information (PII) if you voluntarily provide it, such as by:
- Sending an email to a county official.
- Completing a form for permits, licenses, or employment applications.
- Subscribing to county newsletters or emergency alerts.
- Purchasing services or items on the website
Use of Your Information
Jefferson County may use information that we collect about you in several ways, including but not limited to:
- To process payment for purchases
- To deliver products and services purchased or requested on the website
- To include you in our mailing lists
- To communicate with you by email, telephone, and/or mobile device about future events and purchases
- To enforce our terms of use
- To better protect you from or identify fraudulent transactions
Data Security
Jefferson County has security measures in place to help safeguard your information from unauthorized access or disclosure. For example, we use encryption and firewalls to protect PII against unauthorized access. However, Jefferson County cannot guarantee that hackers or unauthorized persons will not gain access to your personal information despite our efforts. Further, in using the website, your information will travel through third-party infrastructures that are not under our control.
Data Retention
Records are kept in accordance with State Records Retention Schedules and Chapter Adm 12 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code for electronic records. This includes posts to Jefferson County’s social media accounts.
Public Records Notice
Under Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39), most information provided to or collected by the County is considered a public record.
- Inspection and Copying: Any information submitted through this site may be subject to public inspection and copying unless a specific legal exception applies (e.g., certain medical records or Social Security numbers).
- Conflict of Law: In the event of a conflict between this policy and the Wisconsin Open Records Law, the state law will control.
Cookies and Tracking
We use "cookies" to enhance your experience. You can opt out by adjusting your browser settings, though some features (like online payments) may not function correctly without them.
Other Websites
Third parties have their own privacy policies that govern their use of your information. There are a number of places on this website where you may click on a link to access other websites that don’t operate under this privacy policy. These third-party websites may independently solicit and collect information, including personal information, from you. Importantly, these third parties will have their own privacy policies describing how they use and disclose your personal information. Those policies will govern the use, handling and disclosure of your personal information once you or we have shared it with those third parties. If you want to learn more about other entities’ privacy practices, please review the websites of those third parties.
Children’s Privacy
The website is not intended for children under 13, and Jefferson County does not knowingly collect information from children under the age of 13. Children aged 13 or older should not submit any personal information without the permission of their parents or guardians. By using the website, you are representing that you are at least 18, or that you are at least 13 years old and have your parents’ permission to use the website.
Access From Outside the United States
The website is directed to people residing in the United States. We do not represent that content available on or through the website is appropriate or available in other locations. We may limit the availability of the website or any website service or product described on the website to any person or geographic area at any time. If you choose to access the website from outside the United States, you do so at your own risk.
Your Rights to Access and Correction
Under Wis. Stat. § 19.35, you have the right to request access to records containing your personal information and may request corrections to any errors you identify.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
The County has the right to modify this policy at its discretion and at any time. It will post any changes to the policy on this page. The effective date of this policy can be found in the subtitle of this page. We recommend that you check the website periodically to be aware of any changes in our privacy or other policies
Your Rights to Access and Correction
Contact Information
For questions or comments regarding this policy, contact webupdates@jeffersoncountywi.gov