Privacy Policy

Types of Information We Collect

The information we gather is either information (for example, your name and address) that you voluntarily supply when you register or initiate transactions, or information gathered on usage patterns and preferences as visitors navigate the web site, use our services such as e-mail, or read our e-mail newsletters.

Cookies

To help make our web site more responsive to the needs of our visitors, we use a standard feature of browser software, called a “cookie”, to assign each visitor an unique, random number that resides on your computer. The cookie does not identify the visitor, just the computer that a visitor uses to access our site. Unless you voluntarily identify yourself, we won't know who you are, even if we assign a cookie to your computer as the only personal information a cookie can contain is information you supply. A cookie cannot read unrelated data off your computer. We use cookies to help us deliver a better, more personalized service. For example, we use cookies to track the pages and services on our web site visited by our users. We can build a better web site if we know which pages and features our users are visiting and how often.

Browser Level Information and IP Addresses

Our web server automatically collects limited information about your computer configuration when you visit our web site, including the type of browser you use, the operating system you are running, the resolution of your computer monitor, the web site that referred you, and your IP address. Your IP address is a number that is used by computers connected to the Internet to identify your computer so that data such as the web pages you want to view can be transmitted to you. We use IP address information for systems administration and trouble-shooting purposes.

SMS (Short Message Service) Terms

By subscribing to Washington County's SMS notifications, you agree to receive text messages pertaining to emergency alerts, public safety announcements, event reminders, service updates. The number of messages you receive will vary based on your subscription preferences and the information you opt to receive. Message frequency may vary. Standard message and data rates may apply. Please consult with your mobile carrier for details on your messaging plan. You can opt out of receiving messages at any time by texting “STOP”. Our SMS service is compatible with most major carriers, but we are not responsible for any delays in message delivery, as this may be affected by your mobile carrier's network. Washington County reserves the right to modify these SMS Terms at any time and such updates will be reflected on our website.

Information will be used for Washington County government purposes and will be shared as required or permitted by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) and other applicable law. SMS consent for your phone numbers will not be shared for advertising or marketing purposes.

Other Disclosures

We may occasionally release information about our visitors when release is appropriate to comply with law, to protect the rights, property or safety of visitors to our sites, the public, our customers, or our government and its employees, agents, partners and affiliates.

Please keep in mind that our communities are public spaces, so don't post anything that you don't want the world to see. Credit card numbers, product keys, and other confidential information, including anything covered under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), should not be posted to any blogs, discussions, or other public areas.