OAKLAND, Md. (AP) — A national open-records group is applauding Garrett County for putting more government information online.

The Alexandria, Va.-based Sunshine Review said Wednesday that it’s boosting the county’s transparency grade from a C to an A-minus.

The county launched a new website Oct. 2 after seeking the group’s advice. Additions include the direct email address and phone number for the county’s public information officer, direct email addresses for each county commissioner and information about the county’s lobbying memberships.

Sunshine Review says it’s unusual for a transparency rating to increase by more than one letter grade. The group says three other Maryland counties also have an A-minus rating.

Sunshine Review says Maryland transparency overall rates a B-plus. It gives the state government website an A.

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