FOIA Request for Public Records

If the County directly or indirectly administers or maintains an official internet presence, any public records available to the general public on that internet site at the time the request is made are exempt from any labor charges to redact (separate exempt information from non-exempt information

If the FOIA coordinator knows or has reason to know that all or a portion of the requested information is available on its website, the County must notify the Requestor in its written response that all or a portion of the requested information is available on its website. The written response, to the degree practicable in the specific instance, must include a specific webpage address where the requested information is available. On the detailed cost itemization form, the County must separate the requested public records that are available on its website from those that are not available on the website and must inform the requestor of the additional charge to receive copies of the public records that are available on its website.

If the County has included the website address for a record in its written response to the Requestor and the Requestor thereafter stipulates that the public record be provided to him or her in a paper format or other form, including digital media, the County must provide the public records in the specified format (if the County has the technological capability) but may use a fringe benefit multiplier greater than the 50%, not to exceed the actual costs of providing the information in the specified format.

Overtime wages shall not be included in the calculation of labor costs unless overtime is specifically stipulated by the requestor and clearly noted on the detailed cost itemization form.

A public record search must be made and a copy of a public record must be furnished without charge for the first $20.00 of the fee for each request by an individual who is entitled to information under this act and who: 1)Submits an affidavit stating that the individual is indigent and receiving specific public assistance, OR 2)If not receiving public assistance, stating facts showing inability to pay the cost because of indigence. If a Requestor is ineligible for the discount, the public body shall inform the requestor specifically of the reason for ineligibility in the public body's written response. An individual is ineligible for this fee reduction if ANY of the following apply: (i)The individual has previously received discounted copies of public records from the same public body twice during that calendar year, (ii)The individual requests the information in conjunction with outside parties who are offering or providing payment or other remuneration to the individual to make the request. A public body may require a statement by the requestor in the affidavit that the request is not being made in conjunction with outside parties in exchange for payment or other remuneration.

A public record search must be made and a copy of a public record must be furnished without charge for the first $20.00 of the fee for each request by a nonprofit organization formally designated by the state to carry out activities under subtitle C of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 and the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act, if the request meets ALL of the following requirements: (i)Is made directly on behalf of the organization or its clients. (ii)Is made for a reason wholly consistent with the mission and provisions of those laws under section 931 of the Mental Health Code, (iii)Is accompanied by documentation of its designation by the state, if requested by the County.