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Board asks staff for monthly FOIA top‑users report amid transparency debate
Summary
Following VACO conference discussions, the board directed staff to compile a monthly report on the county’s top users of FOIA and the cost to the county; the motion passed 5–1 with one absent after debate on whether the report could be used to intimidate requesters.
Augusta County supervisors directed staff to prepare a monthly report listing the top users of Freedom of Information Act requests and the county cost of those requests.
The idea came from an association conference where other localities had begun producing such reports; staff said the county’s existing software can track request volume and time spent. "I would view it as a means of transparency to our citizens where their dollars are going," the chair said. Some board members expressed concern the report could be used to intimidate frequent requesters; others argued the data are already publicly available through FOIA and that a summarized report promotes openness.
Ms. Bragg moved for the monthly report; the motion was seconded and passed with a vote of 5 yes, 1 no, and 1 absent.
What happens next: staff will prepare and present the FOIA top‑users report as part of a staff report schedule; the board did not adopt policy limiting release or prescribing thresholds during the discussion.
