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Peck council adopts FOIA policy allowing fees for records requests in 6–1 vote
Summary
At its Oct. 16 meeting the Village of Peck council voted 6–1 to adopt a FOIA policy permitting the village to charge for Freedom of Information Act requests; the transcript does not specify fee amounts or the full schedule.
The Village of Peck council on Oct. 16 approved a Freedom of Information Act policy that allows the village to charge for FOIA requests, a change the council passed 6–1.
Mayor/President Carie Bennett presided over the meeting. Mayor Pro-Tem David Tyler moved to adopt the FOIA policy and Trustee Jason Fretenborough seconded the motion. Trustee Tiffany Surbrook cast the lone vote against the measure; the remaining trustees voted in favor.
The policy was described in the motion as permitting the village “to charge for any FOIA requests.” The transcript does not include a detailed fee schedule, specific per-page or hourly rates, or an explanation of which costs—such as copying, staff time, or redaction—would be recoverable by the village.
Advocates for open records often note that fee policies can affect residents’ and journalists’ access to public records. The council record does not show discussion in the meeting transcript of how the village will balance cost recovery with public access, nor does it record any proposed caps or exemptions for requests made by residents or the media.
The action was taken during routine business after roll call; Sanilac County Commissioner Christine Lee was not present. The council proceeded afterward with other agenda items including adoption of a village slogan and approval of routine disbursements.
