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Though they didn’t invoke the phrase “unfunded mandate,” Downers Grove officials are worried about how much implementing a revised law is costing.
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act was enhanced last year by the General Assembly and became effective in January. Public officials now have five days to respond to FOIA requests, as opposed to seven. The first 50 pages requested must be provided for free, and the price of reproducing any additional black-and-white, standard-size paper is capped at 15 cents per page.
Downers Grove has experienced a substantial increase in FOIA requests this year. In March 2009, the village received 37 such requests. In March this year, there were 159 requests.
The village has spent more than $38,000 so far this year responding to FOIA requests. Given that we’re not even halfway through 2010, this total could become excessive.
Village Clerk April Holden said requests for information were previously considered FOIA submissions when they were made on official FOIA forms. But now, staffers treat any written request as a proper FOIA solicitation.
We applaud village officials and staff members for this, because it shows they are taking the revised law seriously. They are committed to ensuring that any written request for information is handled conscientiously.
We also share their concerns about the mounting price tag for satisfying the law. Ultimately, residents are going to have to pay these costs.
But the dramatic increase in FOIA requests demonstrates how much these same residents appreciate the way this law allows them to keep an eye on public business. An informed citizenry serves a vital role in our society.
Increasing the types of documents placed on the village’s website may lower the number of FOIA requests. Other taxing bodies have had positive experiences using this approach.
Yes, some FOIA submissions are very specific and require more elaborated responses. But people may be less inclined to ask for detailed information if they can find more of it online.
Though they didn’t invoke the phrase “unfunded mandate,” Downers Grove officials are worried about how much implementing a revised law is costing.
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act was enhanced last year by the General Assembly and became effective in January. Public officials now have five days to respond to FOIA requests, as opposed to seven. The first 50 pages requested must be provided for free, and the price of reproducing any additional black-and-white, standard-size paper is capped at 15 cents per page.
Downers Grove has experienced a substantial increase in FOIA requests this year. In March 2009, the village received 37 such requests. In March this year, there were 159 requests.
The village has spent more than $38,000 so far this year responding to FOIA requests. Given that we’re not even halfway through 2010, this total could become excessive.
Village Clerk April Holden said requests for information were previously considered FOIA submissions when they were made on official FOIA forms. But now, staffers treat any written request as a proper FOIA solicitation.
We applaud village officials and staff members for this, because it shows they are taking the revised law seriously. They are committed to ensuring that any written request for information is handled conscientiously.
We also share their concerns about the mounting price tag for satisfying the law. Ultimately, residents are going to have to pay these costs.
But the dramatic increase in FOIA requests demonstrates how much these same residents appreciate the way this law allows them to keep an eye on public business. An informed citizenry serves a vital role in our society.
Increasing the types of documents placed on the village’s website may lower the number of FOIA requests. Other taxing bodies have had positive experiences using this approach.
Yes, some FOIA submissions are very specific and require more elaborated responses. But people may be less inclined to ask for detailed information if they can find more of it online.
