Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Records Foia Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Judiciary committee asks county attorney to draft public records policy, clarifies officials’ access and fees
Summary
The Butte‑Silver Bow Judiciary Committee on May 28 asked the county attorney to draft a resolution that would adopt a county procedure for requesting public records and a fee schedule.
The Butte‑Silver Bow Judiciary Committee on May 28 asked the county attorney to draft a resolution that would adopt a county procedure for requesting public records and a fee schedule.
County Attorney Andrew Enruth told the committee that edits from the prior meeting were made and that “the individual making the request will be notified within 10 days via email or certified mail that the request has been received.” He said the records request form now includes an email address and a “received” byline to show who accepted the request.
The change matters because it sets a standard process and a response timeline for public‑records requests; the draft procedure will be attached to the resolution for public review when the resolution is introduced. The committee voted to hold communication number 202579 in abeyance and asked Enruth’s office to draft the resolution for introduction and subsequent committee review.
During discussion, Commissioner Dan Callahan asked whether elected officials would be required to pay the same fees as members of the public when making records requests. Enruth replied, “Commissioner Callahan, everybody is equal,” and clarified that if a commissioner requests records as part of official duties the request should go through the county attorney’s office or the relevant department director and would not be treated as a private FOIA request.
Commissioner Trudy Healy asked whether members of the public could get a copy of the draft; Enruth said the draft attached to the forthcoming resolution will be made available for public review and comment at future judiciary meetings. Committee chair Michelle Shea and other members confirmed there was time for further edits before the resolution is finalized.
The motion to hold communication 202579 in abeyance and request that the county attorney draft a resolution passed 5‑0. The draft resolution and attached procedure will return to committee for review and formal readings as part of the county’s normal approval process.
