Tooele staff flag public-records fee updates to cover staff time and redaction costs

Matthew Johnson, Tooele City attorney, told the council that staff are preparing a first draft of a revised fee schedule for public records to make the city’s practices consistent with the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA).

"We're not trying to raise fees, but we are trying to make sure that the cost to the city are are covered by the fees," Johnson said, explaining the current $15-per-hour compilation fee and the need to update language so the city can charge an hourly rate tied to the lowest qualified employee when records must be compiled or reformatted.

Johnson said the city’s existing approach treats redacted records differently—sometimes effectively doubling the price for records that require redaction—and that staff want clearer options that reflect modern electronic records work, not only paper and toner costs. He also noted that state law allows the city to waive fees in some circumstances and that the city recorder or police department should keep discretion to waive or adjust charges for particular requests, such as media or public-interest requests.

Council members asked clarifying questions but did not object to staff researching specific ordinance language. Chair Brady and several councilmembers said they want to avoid the city losing money on time-consuming requests while also avoiding a perception of profit-seeking. The council requested staff return with drafted ordinance language and definitions to consider at a future work session.

The city attorney characterized the draft as early-stage and sought input rather than a final decision; council direction will determine whether staff prepare an ordinance amendment for a future public hearing and formal adoption.