Privacy Policy

Effective date: August 20, 2025
Applies to: oaklandmd.com, oaklandmd.gov and all subdomains (the “Site”).
Who we are: “Town,” “we,” “our,” and “us” mean the Town of Oakland, Maryland.

1. Overview

  • We collect personal information (PII) you choose to provide and some information automatically when you use our Site.

  • We use this information to deliver services, process payments, communicate with residents, maintain security, and improve the Site.

  • We do not sell personal data.

  • Records may be public under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA).

  • We safeguard information and follow Maryland breach-notification laws.

2. Information We Collect

A. Information you provide

  • Contact details (name, address, email, phone).

  • Form submissions, service requests, uploaded files, applications, and surveys.

  • Payment details, including:

    • Card payments (via third party, PCI compliant payment gateways).

    • Bank account and routing numbers for autopay enrollment (stored securely and used only for authorized payments).

  • Subscription preferences (e.g., general news, Greater Oakland Business Association).

B. Information collected automatically

  • IP address, date/time, pages visited, browser/OS, session identifiers.

  • Cookies for session management, security, and analytics (see §5).

C. Sensitive information
We do not request sensitive categories (e.g., SSNs, medical records) unless required for a specific service. If required, we explain why and how it will be protected.

3. How We Use Information

  • Provide Town services and programs.

  • Process licenses, permits, payments, and registrations.

  • Communicate updates, alerts, and newsletters.

  • Maintain Site security and integrity.

  • Perform analytics to improve services.

  • Comply with laws and MPIA.

  • Create de-identified or aggregated statistics for planning and transparency.

4. Sharing and Disclosure

We may share information:

  • Vendors/Service Providers: Vendors act on our behalf under contractual safeguards.

  • Other government entities: To provide services or comply with law.

  • Under MPIA: Records may be disclosed unless exempt.

  • For safety/legal reasons: To comply with court orders, investigations, or to protect rights and safety.

We do not sell your personal data.

5. Cookies and Analytics

  • We use essential cookies for functionality and security.

  • We use analytics cookies to measure Site usage and performance. Data is used in aggregate and not to identify individuals.

  • We do not provide a cookie banner; you can control cookies in your browser.

6. Email, SMS, and Newsletters

  • You may unsubscribe at any time via links provided or by contacting us at [email protected].

  • Email addresses provided may be subject to MPIA.

7. Payments

  • Payments are processed by PCI-DSS compliant gateways.

  • Autopay enrollment may require you to provide bank account and routing numbers, stored securely and used only for payments you authorize.

  • The Town does not store card numbers or security codes.

8. Public Records (MPIA)

  • The Town is subject to the Maryland Public Information Act (Md. Code, Gen. Provisions, Title 4).

  • Records may be disclosed unless an exemption applies.

  • The Town will review and redact information where required.

9. Data Security and Breach Notification

  • We maintain reasonable safeguards for the sensitivity of the data.

  • In case of a security breach involving PII, the Town will follow Maryland law, including notice requirements under Md. State Gov’t §10-1305.

10. Data Retention

  • Records are retained under Maryland State Archives schedules and operational needs.

  • Information is kept only as long as necessary for the purpose collected, legal compliance, or audit obligations.

11. Your Choices and Rights

  • Access/Correction: You may request access to or correction of your records under MPIA.

  • Subscriptions: You can unsubscribe at any time.

  • Cookies: Adjust through your browser.

  • Do Not Track: The Site does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

12. Children’s Privacy

  • The Site is not directed to children under 13.

  • We do not knowingly collect children’s information online.

13. Links

Our Site may link to external websites. Their policies govern your use of those sites.

14. Updates to this Policy

We may update this policy as laws or practices change. The effective date will always show the current version.

15. Contact

  • MPIA / Public Records Requests
    Town Administrator
    Phone: 301-334-2691
    Email: [email protected]

  • Privacy or Security Questions
    Same as above.