City of Cottleville

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Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 10/12/2025

  1. Purpose. The City of Cottleville (“City”) is committed to protecting the privacy of users visiting its website. This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) explains how the City collects, uses, and safeguards information obtained via this website. 
  2. Disclaimers. Because the City is a public governmental entity, much of the information users submit may be subject to disclosure under Missouri’s Sunshine Law (Chapter 610, RSMo.). For more information, see Section 5(c) below. Content contained herein may link to external websites not managed or monitored by the City. The City is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites. For more information, see Section 3(d) below. 
  3. Information Collection. Upon visiting the City website, the following information may be collected:
    1. Voluntary Submissions. This information is collected when a user submits an online form, signs up for newsletters, makes service requests, reports concerns, or emails the City directly. Voluntary submission (or “personal”) information commonly includes the user’s name, email address, phone number, mailing address, or other relevant details necessary to the request, concern, or form. 
    2. Automatic Submissions. This information is collected automatically upon visiting the website and includes, but is not limited to, the user’s IP address, browser type and version, date and time of visit, pages visited, and/or the referring website (if applicable). Automatic submission (or “non-personal”) information is used solely for website performance, security, and usage analysis.  
    3. Analytics and/or Cookies. The City website may use cookies, web beacons, or other data analytics tools, now or in the future, to enhance user experience and collect usage information. Users can adjust their browser or device settings to refuse cookies or to be notified when tracking technologies are being used.
    4. Third Party Services. The City partners with various platforms to ensure a seamless online experience. These partners, such as Global Payment SecureSubmit, TWPay.net, ArcGIS, and Smartsheet, may have their own privacy policy and/or terms of use for which the City is not responsible. 
  4. Information Usage. The City may utilize user information to respond to inquiries or requests, notify residents regarding City services, news, and/or health and safety information (if requested), maintain internal administrative recordkeeping, and improve website functionality and content quality. 
  5. Information Security. The City does not and shall not sell, rent, or trade user information. The City may share information as required by law and/or with City departments or officials in accordance with Section 4 herein.
    1. Protection of Sensitive Information. The City does not and shall not publicly disclose Social Security numbers, shall not require their transmission over unsecured connections, and shall never require a Social Security number to access the City website. Sensitive data transmitted to the City is encrypted and securely stored. 
    2. Records Retention. The City retains and disposes of website and social media records in accordance with Chapter 109, RSMo., and the applicable schedules adopted by the Missouri Local Records Board. Social media content on official City accounts is also considered a public record and retained accordingly. 
    3. Sunshine Law Public Records Request. Under the Missouri Sunshine Law (Sections 610.010-610.200, RSMo.), information submitted via the website may qualify as a “public record” and may be disclosed upon request. However, certain records are exempt from disclosure (see Section 610.021, RSMo.) including personnel and medical records, Social Security numbers, financial account details, and privileged information. Requests should be directed to the City’s Custodian of Records, Amy C. Lewis ([email protected]). 
    4. Data Security and Breach Notification. The City uses reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information in its custody. In the event of a data breach affecting personal information, the City shall notify affected individuals as required by Section 407.1500.2, RSMo., and, if applicable, the Missouri Attorney General.
  6. Children’s Privacy. The City does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 via the website. Should child-oriented services or events be promoted herein, parental consent shall be obtained before collecting personal information, consistent with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (16 C.F.R. Section 312; 15 U.S.C. Section 6501 et seq.). Should the City learn of such data being collected without parental consent, City shall take appropriate action to delete it. 
  7. Policy Updates. The City may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on the website with a new “Effective Date.” Archived versions will be retained in accordance with Missouri records retention requirements. The City encourages users to review this Policy periodically. 
  8. Contact. Should users have questions or concerns regarding this Policy, please contact the City. 

City of Cottleville
5490 Fifth Street
Cottleville, MO 63304
Phone: (636) 498-6565
Website: https://www.cityofcottleville.com