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Council approves public-records procedure updates after debate; vote 4–1
Summary
The council voted 4–1 to adopt revisions to Homewood's public-records procedures aimed at clarifying requests and limiting bulk data-mining; the city clerk and council discussed protections for residents and fee structures.
The Homewood City Council adopted revisions to public-records request procedures in a 4–1 vote on July 27 after discussion about fees, resident protections and outside data-mining requests.
City Clerk Mister Segrasse said the changes are intended to clarify the request process, improve efficiency and protect residents by reducing the ability of outside entities to data-mine city records. "This will not affect Homewood residents whatsoever," the clerk said, adding that routine resident requests would remain free and that the draft language gives the clerk discretion to reduce or waive fees for requests in the public interest. Councilors asked how residency would be verified and whether the changes comport with state law; the city attorney said the draft as written was legal but that minutes should include the proposal when opioid-fund actions were discussed.
After discussion and a question-and-answer exchange with staff, the resolution passed 4–1. Councilor Lane cast the lone recorded dissent, citing concerns about implementation and potential charges for routine resident requests.
