How do I obtain public records?

Records may be requested using the form available at the bottom of this page. Request should clearly define the records being sought. The form may be returned via email or United States Postal Service using the contact information noted on the form. It may also be delivered to the City Manager's Office.

The Georgia Open Records Act establishes the right to inspect and/or receive public records,excluding those specifically exempt from the public by court order or law. When a request is received, the City must:

Determine if the requested records are subject to public access;
Provide a written response specifying the legal authority for restricting access if the records are not open to the public;
Produce documents that are open to the public at the earliest possible time after receiving applicable fees/charges; and
Provide a written description of the records and a timetable for their production if the records are not available for release in three business days.

Fulfilling a request for public records may incur fees/charges including but not limited to search, retrieval, copying and other direct administrative costs. The cost varies depending on the complexity of the request and the record(s).

Most administrative fees are billed at the hourly rate of the lowest paid full-time employee who, in the discretion of the City, has the necessary skill and training to address the request. Varying rates may apply when multiple staff members are involved. The first fifteen minutes of research time shall be free of charge. Other administrative fees may apply including but not limited to retrieving/refiling records maintained by a third-party offsite storage vendor.Copying fees are billed as follows:

Documents 11" by 17" in size are 25 cents per page
Drawings, maps, plans and other large documents are $3.00 per page
CD's/DVD's are $3.00 each

An itemized cost calculation is provided for each request identifying applicable fees/charges. All requests are reviewed by the City Clerk.