Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Open Records topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Perry council adopts state-model open-records ordinance, adds emergency clause
Summary
After an extensive discussion about burdensome third-party records requests, the Perry City Council approved Ordinance No. 2025-24 to update the city's records code, adopt state guidance on request specificity and fees, and approved an emergency clause to make parts effective immediately.
The Perry City Council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-24, a city-code update that formalizes procedures for open-records requests, including requirements that requesters provide specific search terms and date ranges and that the city may charge search fees for commercial requests.
Council members spent the bulk of the discussion addressing frequent, broad requests that local staff must fulfill. "It was a request from Delaware," a council member said, describing an example that sought extensive department-level purchasing and vendor details across multiple years. City Attorney Bryce said the ordinance “is reflecting the new law in our code and that's all we're doing,” adding the measure uses the model form provided by the Oklahoma Municipal League and the attorney general's fee guidance.
Supporters said the change balances transparency with staff capacity. Councilors described two common categories of requesters: local residents seeking routine items (for which staff will continue to assist at no charge) and out‑of‑state or commercial actors whose broad requests materially burden small-city staff. The ordinance designates the city manager to name record custodians and requires the municipality to post custodian contact information and internal procedures online. Bryce also noted that some searches—by the media, scholars and taxpayers—are exempt from search fees under state law.
Councilors asked staff to prepare public-facing talking points and to post routinely requested materials (for instance, salary ranges and recent ordinances/resolutions) on the city website to reduce ad hoc requests. The council also discussed internal training so front-line employees can respond consistently when residents call or email.
The council approved the ordinance and subsequently voted to adopt the emergency clause, a procedural step that makes parts of the ordinance effective immediately. Council members noted the change implements existing state law and that the city will follow the attorney general's fee schedule when applicable.
Procedure and next steps include staff publishing the designated record custodians and a revised web page with frequently requested documents; staff will circulate talking points to council members to aid public inquiries.
