Rockville council endorses fee discussion for public-record requests and asks attorney for billing details
Council discussed instituting an upfront fee (options $50–$100) for data requests and charging attorney review costs; members authorized staff to obtain attorney billing info and plan a public hearing in January on the fee policy.
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Councilors debated whether to charge requesters a flat upfront fee for public-record requests to cover staff and attorney time. Staff noted the city currently charges nothing; council members suggested a flat fee (proposals ranged from $50 to $100) for the initial search and collection, with additional fees if attorney review is required. Councilors emphasized collecting an upfront deposit if the city expects attorney involvement, so the city does not absorb legal costs when a requester declines the material after work begins.
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