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Resident complains city charged $900 for public-records request; city staff cites authorized cost recovery
Summary
Edgar Carrasco told the City Council his Nov. 2 public-information request was delayed and that the city increased the estimated production cost from $75 to $900; a city staff speaker said it is the city's policy to charge actual costs as authorized by the Texas Public Information Act.
At the Nov. 20 Socorro City Council meeting, Edgar Carrasco used his public-comment time to criticize the city's handling of a public-information request he submitted on Nov. 2. Carrasco said the city did not meet the 10-business-day statutory deadline and initially estimated a $75 cost before later informing him the production cost would be $900.
"It cost $900 to provide some documentations to be transparent, guys," Carrasco said, adding that the community had started a GoFundMe to pay the estimated fee. He characterized the situation as embarrassing and urged the council to be transparent.
A city staff member responded that it is routine for municipalities to charge the actual cost of staff time and materials required to produce records when requests require extensive search and assembly. The staff speaker referenced authorization under the Texas Public Information Act and described the city policy as consistent with other Texas municipalities.
The council did not record any immediate fee waiver or directive during the meeting; Carrasco's complaint remains a matter the city may address administratively or in follow-up communications.
Provenance: Edgar Carrasco public comment SEG 176–236; staff policy explanation SEG 244–254.
