Privacy Policy

Effective Date: November 5, 2026

Jefferson County, West Virginia, is committed to respecting your privacy and protecting the information you provide when visiting the County’s website. This Privacy Policy explains what information may be collected through the website, how it may be used, and how it is handled.

By using this website, you acknowledge the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

You may browse the Jefferson County website without providing personal information. However, certain services and features may ask you to submit information so the County can respond to your request or provide a service.

Information you may voluntarily provide includes:

• Name
• Mailing address
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Information submitted through contact forms, applications, registrations, surveys, or other online forms
• Other information you choose to provide when communicating with the County

The website may also automatically collect general technical information when you visit, such as your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, date and time of access, and referring website. This information may be used to understand website activity, maintain website functionality, and improve the visitor experience.

2. How We Use Your Information

Information submitted through the County’s website may be used to:

• Respond to questions, comments, and service requests
• Process applications, registrations, and online submissions
• Provide information about County services, programs, and activities
• Communicate important notices, updates, and announcements
• Maintain website security and functionality
• Evaluate website performance and improve online services
• Meet applicable legal, administrative, and recordkeeping requirements

Jefferson County does not sell personal information submitted through its website.

3. Public Records and Disclosure

As a public government entity, Jefferson County is subject to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and other applicable public records laws.

Information submitted to the County through its website may become part of a public record and may be subject to disclosure when required by law. Certain information may be exempt from disclosure under applicable laws.

Please do not submit confidential, sensitive, or personal information through a website form unless it is specifically requested for the service you are using.

4. Cookies and Website Analytics

This website may use cookies or similar technologies to support website functionality, remember visitor preferences, and understand how visitors use the site.

Cookies are small text files stored on your device. You can adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies. Some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

The County may also use website analytics tools to collect information about website traffic and visitor activity. These tools help evaluate how the website is used and identify opportunities for improvement.

5. Third-Party Websites and Services

The Jefferson County website may contain links to external websites and services, including state and federal agencies, online payment providers, public records systems, registration platforms, and other third-party resources.

When you visit an external website or use a third-party service, that provider’s privacy policy and terms of use apply. Jefferson County does not control the privacy practices, security measures, or content of external websites and is not responsible for their handling of your information.

We encourage visitors to review the privacy policies of third-party websites before submitting personal or financial information.

6. Online Payments and Transactions

Certain County services may direct visitors to third-party platforms to make payments or complete transactions.

Information submitted through those platforms is handled according to the applicable provider’s privacy and security policies. Please review the provider’s terms and privacy policy before completing a transaction.

Jefferson County does not control the information collection practices of independent third-party payment providers.

7. Information Security

Jefferson County takes reasonable steps to support the security of information submitted through its website. However, no method of transmitting or storing information electronically can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Visitors should use caution when submitting personal information online and avoid sending sensitive information through general contact forms or unsecured communications.

8. Data Retention

Information submitted to Jefferson County may be retained in accordance with applicable state and local records retention requirements, administrative policies, and legal obligations.

The length of time information is maintained may depend on the type of record and the purpose for which it was collected.

9. Children’s Privacy

The Jefferson County website is intended for use by the general public and is not specifically directed toward children under the age of 13.

The County does not knowingly collect personal information from children through general website features without an appropriate purpose or authorization. Certain County programs and services may require information from a parent or legal guardian when a child participates.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Jefferson County may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in website features, services, technology, or applicable laws and requirements.

Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Visitors are encouraged to review this policy periodically.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or the information collected through the Jefferson County website, please contact:

Jefferson County Commission
124 East Washington Street
P.O. Box 250
Charles Town, WV 25414

Phone: 304-728-3284
Email: info@jeffcowv.gov
Website: https://www.jeffersoncountywv.org