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Resident raises FOIA complaint at Nottoway meeting, asks board to admit failure to provide records
Summary
Resident Sonny Abbott told the board he filed a FOIA request and has not received signed records or an adequate response; he asked the board to admit the five‑member panel was never appointed as outlined in statute and warned he may take the matter to court if it is not resolved within two weeks.
At the public comment portion of the Nottoway County Board of Supervisors meeting, resident Sonny Abbott addressed the board with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) complaint.
Abbott said he delivered a FOIA request and expected documents showing the appointment of a five‑member panel as required by Va. Code §15.2‑1643(b) for certain courthouse facility issues. He told the board he received an unsigned document that appeared to be a "white paper" rather than responsive records and said the second part of his FOIA request — the date when a vote was taken to appoint the panel — was not addressed. "Therefore, I must conclude that the responded, mister Collins, has not met his responsibilities as regards Virginia's Freedom of Information Act," Abbott said, urging the board to resolve the issue within two weeks or he would seek a court opinion.
The chair thanked Abbott for his comments. The transcript records Abbott’s formal request and the board’s acknowledgement of the public comment; no further action was taken on the record during the meeting.
What happens next: Abbott asked for a response within two weeks and flagged the potential for litigation if the records are not provided; citizens or counsel may follow up with county administration regarding the FOIA response.
