Olympia council reviews body camera fees eliminating nonprofit exemptions

During the recent Olympia City Council meeting, a significant discussion centered on the proposed changes to the fee structure for accessing body-worn camera footage. The meeting, held on February 25, 2025, featured Deputy City Clerk Michael Fulmer, who presented findings regarding fee exemptions under the Public Records Act.

The council is considering the removal of a city-created exemption that allows nonprofit organizations to access body-worn camera footage without charge. This exemption was initially implemented to promote transparency but has raised concerns about potential misuse. Fulmer highlighted that while state law provides certain exemptions—such as for individuals involved in incidents or their attorneys—only about 10% of requesters currently incur fees for redaction services.

A public survey conducted in 2022 revealed that many residents believe the existing state-mandated exemptions are sufficient. The survey indicated that only a small number of respondents supported the nonprofit exemption, suggesting it may not be necessary. Fulmer noted that the ease of registering as a nonprofit could lead to an influx of requests that would burden city staff and detract from the intended transparency.

The council is now tasked with deciding whether to adopt the resolution to eliminate the nonprofit exemption. This decision could streamline the process for accessing body-worn camera footage while ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently. The outcome of this discussion will have implications for how the city manages public records and responds to requests, ultimately affecting community access to important information.