24-02-11. Records of department open to public - Certain records not open to public - Certified copies

24-02-11. Records of department open to public - Certain records not open to public - Certified copies. 1. The director is custodian of, and shall preserve, the files and records of the department. The files and records of the department must be open to public inspection under reasonable regulations. However, records relating to the financial condition of any party are not open to public inspection if that party: a. Has applied for prequalification as a bidder; b. Is designated as a prequalified bidder pursuant to this chapter; c. Is an applicant under the disadvantaged business enterprise program; d. Makes a submission in furtherance of being selected as a consultant; e. Is selected as a consultant; or f. Is subject to audit by the department. 2. Copies of files and records of the department, when certified by the director as being true copies, must be received in evidence in any court in the state with the same force and effect as the originals. 3. The books of account of the department must be kept accurately and completely as must be prescribed or approved by the state auditor, which must show among other things the following facts: a. The cost of maintaining the department, including the salaries and expenses of the individual members thereof. b. The amounts of money expended for the construction or maintenance of the state highways, when and where, and upon what job or portion of the road expended, so that the cost per mile [1.61 kilometers] of the construction or maintenance can be ascertained with ease. c. The amount of road equipment and materials purchased and when and where and from whom purchased. The book also must show the price paid for each item. The original invoice or a photographic copy thereof must form a part of the permanent files and records in the department. d. The director shall charge a uniform fee, by type of record.