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Saratoga County approves FOIL management software as requests surge
Summary
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors voted June 16 to add and approve a resolution to purchase FOIL-management software amid an 'avalanche' of records requests, citing heavy staff burdens and rising body-camera review time. The one-year cost cited was $19,250; annual maintenance was described as expected.
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors voted June 16 to add to the agenda and approve a resolution authorizing the purchase of FOIL/records-management software after hearing that a sharp increase in public-records requests is straining staff and creating legal risk.
County Administrator (the county administrator) told the board the county is being hit with "an avalanche" of FOIL requests and is investigating software to improve tracking, processing and public submissions. He said the county solicited three quotes and recommends a package identified in the meeting as "Just Foyer," with a proposed one-year cost of $19,250.
The county attorney (the county attorney) told supervisors the bulk of requests are directed to the district attorney's office and sheriff's department and that responding often requires review and redaction of body-worn camera footage. He cited examples including one request involving about 12 hours of footage, said the county currently tracks roughly 70 pending requests and estimated the county has received more than 1,000 FOIL requests so far this year. "AI makes it very easy for people to put these requests together and submit them," the county administrator said, describing why requests now list broader, more detailed records.
Supervisors asked about ongoing costs; the county attorney said there will be an annual maintenance fee and reported the vendor indicated roughly a 5% annual increase, which would put next-year costs at about $20,000. County staff said the recommended vendor met procurement rules and had the lowest quote among three companies interviewed.
The board first voted to add the resolution to the agenda and then, after discussion, approved the purchase. Roll-call voting showed two supervisors opposed and the motion passed.
County staff said they are also recruiting for a new FOIL access officer and have retained attorney Colleen McMahon to help with policy and implementation. Officials said they expect further requests for resources and potential changes to FOIL policy as the county adapts to the higher volume of records requests.
The board’s action authorizes the software purchase; staff will report back with implementation steps and any further budget or policy requests.
