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Council adopts 2025 data-practices policy after debate on resident access and fees
Summary
Council adopted the 2025 City Data Practices Policies after a discussion on transparency, fee structure and resident access; staff reported 207 requests in 2024 with most provided at no charge and asked the Council to consider resident/non-resident fee options.
The Shorewood City Council adopted the 2025 City Data Practices Policies on June 23 after a public discussion about fees and resident access to records.
Councilmember Sanschagrin removed the item from the consent agenda to prompt discussion on transparency and the city’s handling of public-record requests. City Clerk/HR Director Thone reported the city received 207 requests in 2024 and 91 so far in 2025; she said most requests are completed at no charge and that in 2024 the city charged a total of $185 across all requests. She explained that statutory fees apply and, when requests are fewer than 100 pages, the city charges $0.25 per page for paper copies but that inspection of records at City Hall is free.
Councilmember DiGruttolo said the Council had prioritized transparency and suggested staff consider a resident discount or a threshold under which residents would not be charged. City Attorney Shepherd said the current policy follows State statute but offered to review whether the city may differentiate fees for residents and non-residents. The Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. 25-057 setting the 2025 policies and asked staff to examine options for resident fee relief and to continue improving online availability of records.
City Clerk/HR Director Thone said most large requests come from businesses, attorneys and realtors seeking records they use commercially; she emphasized the city has moved more data online and offers inspection at City Hall at no cost.
