Council adopts ordinance setting document-copy, search and video fees and enacts emergency clause

Stilwell City Council voted on Feb. 5 to adopt Ordinance 385-2024b, creating standardized fees for public records copying and searches and requiring conspicuous posting of the fees as required by state law. Councilmember (Speaker 3) summarized the standard charges as “25¢ per page for copying, $25 an hour for search with a minimum of 1 hour, and then $6 per video file” to cover records such as body-worn camera footage.

The ordinance adds the fees into Article 6 (municipal permits and fees) and clarifies procedures for charging for document search time and producing video files. During debate, a council member (Speaker 7) reminded the body that state law requires posting of such fees in a conspicuous location and said failure to post could jeopardize enforcement. Councilmember (Speaker 3) proposed an amendment to the ordinance to expressly require posting; the council adopted that requirement before voting.

Following passage of the ordinance, council considered and approved an emergency clause authorizing the ordinance to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, as permitted by law. Supporters said the change creates a consistent, ordinance-backed process for charging for copies and for staff time spent fulfilling public-records requests.

The ordinance was moved by Jim and seconded by Barrett; the roll call recorded affirmative votes and the motion carried. The emergency clause was separately moved and carried, making the ordinance effective on approval.

What happens next: city staff will finalize the posting locations and update the municipal fee schedule to reflect the adopted rates. Copies and video requests will be charged according to the ordinance once the posting and administrative steps are completed.