Consistent with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”), MCL §15.231, et seq., and the Board of Directors’ Freedom of Information Act Policy, the following is the Written Public Summary of the Four Lakes Special Assessment District by and through the FLTF - FOIA Procedures and Guidelines. This summary is effective as of the date of enactment of the Board’s FOIA Policy.
1. submit a foia request to four lakes task force
- Requests to inspect or obtain copies of public records prepared, owned, used, possessed or retained by FLTF on behalf of the Four Lakes Special Assessment District must be submitted in writing.
- A request must sufficiently describe a public record so as to enable FLTF to find it.
- No specific form to submit a written request is required.
- The FLTF FOIA coordinator is appointed by the board of directors. The current FOIA coordinator is Kayla Stryker, FLTF board secretary.
- Written requests can be made in person by delivery, mail or email.
IN-PERSON BY DELIVERY OR MAIL Four Lakes Task Force 233 Larkin Street, Suite 2 Midland, MI 48640 |
EMAIL OR FACSIMILE Subject line should contain "FOIA" or "FOIA Request" to ensure a prompt response [email protected] |
2. expect a response within 5 business days.
Within 5 business days of receipt of a FOIA request FLTF will issue a response. If a request is received by facsimile or e-mail the request is deemed to have been received on the following business day. FLTF will respond to your request in one of the following ways:
If the request is granted, or granted in part, FLTF will ask that payment be made for the allowable fees associated with responding to the request before the public record is made available. If the cost of processing the request is expected to exceed $50, or if you have not paid for a previously granted request, FLTF will require a deposit before processing the request.
- Grant the request.
- Issue a written notice denying the request.
- Grant the request in part and issue a written notice denying the request in part.
- Issue a notice indicating that due to the nature of the request FLTF needs an additional 10 business days to respond.
- Issue a written notice indicating that the public record requested is available at no charge on FLTF ’s website.
If the request is granted, or granted in part, FLTF will ask that payment be made for the allowable fees associated with responding to the request before the public record is made available. If the cost of processing the request is expected to exceed $50, or if you have not paid for a previously granted request, FLTF will require a deposit before processing the request.
3. SUBMIT A DEPOSIT.
If FLTF has made a good faith calculation that the total fee for processing the request exceeds $50.00, it will require that you provide a deposit in the amount of 50% of the total estimated fee. When FLTF requests the deposit it will provide you a non-binding best efforts estimate of how long it will take to process the request following receipt by FLTF of your deposit.
If FLTF receives a FOIA request from a person who has not paid FLTF for copies of public records made in fulfillment of a previously granted written request, FLTF will require a deposit of 100% of the estimated processing fee before it begins to search for the public record or any subsequent written request when all of the following conditions exist:
FLTF will not require the 100% estimated fee deposit if any of the following apply:
If FLTF receives a FOIA request from a person who has not paid FLTF for copies of public records made in fulfillment of a previously granted written request, FLTF will require a deposit of 100% of the estimated processing fee before it begins to search for the public record or any subsequent written request when all of the following conditions exist:
- the final fee for the prior written request is not more than 105% of the estimated fee;
- the public records made available contained the information sought in the prior written request and remain in FLTF’s possession;
- the public records were made available to the individual, subject to payment, within the time frame estimated by FLTF to provide the records;
- 90 days have passed since FLTF notified the individual in writing that the public records were available for pickup or mailing;
- the individual is unable to show proof of prior payment to FLTF; and
- FLTF has calculated an estimated detailed itemization that is the basis for the current written request’s increased fee deposit.
FLTF will not require the 100% estimated fee deposit if any of the following apply:
- the person making the request is able to show proof of prior payment in full to FLTF;
- FLTF is subsequently paid in full for all applicable prior written requests; or
- 365 days have passed since the person made the request for which full payment was not remitted to FLTF.
4. hOW FLTF CALCULATES THE FOIA PROCESSING FEE.
A fee will not be charged for the cost of search, examination, review and the deletion and separation of exempt from nonexempt information unless failure to charge a fee would result in unreasonably high costs to FLTF because of the nature of the request in the particular instance, and FLTF specifically identifies the nature of the unreasonably high costs.
The FOIA statute permits FLTF to assess and collect a fee for six designated processing components. FLTF may charge for the following costs associated with processing a request:
Labor Costs
Non-paper Physical Media
Paper Copies
Mailing Costs
The FOIA statute permits FLTF to assess and collect a fee for six designated processing components. FLTF may charge for the following costs associated with processing a request:
- Labor costs associated with searching for, locating and examining a requested public record.
- Labor costs associated with a review of a record to separate and delete information exempt from disclosure of information from that which is disclosed.
- The cost of computer discs, computer tapes or other digital or similar media when the requester asks for records in non-paper physical media.
- The cost of duplication or publication, not including labor, of paper copies of public records.
- Labor costs associated with duplication or publication, which includes making paper copies, making digital copies, or transferring digital public records to non-paper physical media or through the Internet.
- The cost to mail or send a public record to a requester.
Labor Costs
- All labor costs will be estimated and charged in 15 minute increments with all partial time increments rounded down.
- Labor costs will be charged at the hourly wage of the lowest-paid FLTF employee capable of doing the work in the specific fee category, regardless of who actually performs work.
- Labor costs will also include a charge to cover or partially cover the cost of fringe benefits.
Non-paper Physical Media
- The cost for records provided on non-paper physical media, such as computer discs, computer tapes or other digital or similar media will be at the actual and most reasonably economical cost for the non-paper media.
- This cost will only be assessed if FLTF has the technological capability necessary to provide the public record in the requested non-paper physical media format.
Paper Copies
- Paper copies of public records made on standard letter (8 ½ x 11) or legal (8 ½ x 14) sized paper will not exceed $.10 per sheet of paper. Copies for non-standard sized sheets will paper will reflect the actual cost of reproduction.
- FLTF may provide records using double-sided printing, if cost-saving and available.
Mailing Costs
- The cost to mail public records will use a reasonably economical and justified means.
- FLTF may charge for the least expensive form of postal delivery confirmation.
- No cost will be made for expedited shipping or insurance unless requested.
5. qUALIFICATION TO REDUCE THE PROCESSING FEE.
FLTF may (but is not required to) waive or reduce the fee associated with a request when FLTF determines that to do so is in the public interest because release of the information is considered as primarily benefiting the general public.
FLTF will waive the first $20.00 of the processing fee for a request if you submit an affidavit stating that you are:
You are not eligible to receive the $20.00 waiver if you:
An affidavit is a sworn statement. Download an Affidavit of Indigency form for the waiver of FOIA fees.
FLTF will waive the fee for an nonprofit organization which meets all of the following conditions:
FLTF will waive the first $20.00 of the processing fee for a request if you submit an affidavit stating that you are:
- indigent and receiving specific public assistance; or
- if not receiving public assistance, stating facts demonstrating an inability to pay because of indigency.
You are not eligible to receive the $20.00 waiver if you:
- have previously received discounted copies of public records from FLTF twice during the calendar year; or
- are requesting information on behalf of other persons who are offering or providing payment to you to make the request.
An affidavit is a sworn statement. Download an Affidavit of Indigency form for the waiver of FOIA fees.
FLTF will waive the fee for an nonprofit organization which meets all of the following conditions:
- the organization is designated by the State under federal law to carry out activities under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 and the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act;
- the request is made directly on behalf of the organization or its clients;
- the request is made for a reason wholly consistent with the provisions of federal law under Section 931 of the Mental Health Code; and
- the request is accompanied by documentation of the organization’s designation by the State.
6. How to challenge the denial of a public record or an excessive fee.
Appeal of a Denial of a Public Record
If you believe that all or a portion of a public record has not been disclosed or has been improperly exempted from disclosure, you may file an appeal of the denial with FLTF’s board of directors. The appeal must be in writing, specifically state the word “appeal,” and identify the reason or reasons you are seeking a reversal of the denial.
Within 10 business days of receiving the appeal, as defined below, the board will respond in writing by:
The board is not considered to have received an appeal until the board’s next regularly scheduled meeting after the appeal is submitted. The board may designate the board chair or any officer of FLTF to hear and decide any appeal.
Whether or not you submitted an appeal of a denial to the board, you may file a civil action in Midland County Circuit Court within 180 days after FLTF’s final determination to deny your request. Should you prevail in the civil action the court will award you reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and disbursements. If the court determines that FLTF acted arbitrarily and capriciously in refusing to disclose or provide a public record, the court shall award you damages in the amount of $1000.00.
Appeal of an Excessive FOIA Processing Fee
If you believe that the fee charged by FLTF to process your FOIA request exceeds the amount permitted by state law, you must first submit a written appeal for a fee reduction to the board chair. The appeal must be in writing, specifically state the word “appeal,” and identify how the required fee exceeds the amount permitted.
Within 10 business days after receiving the appeal, the board chair will respond in writing by:
Within 45 days after receiving notice of the board chair’s determination of the processing fee appeal, you may commence a civil action in Midland County Circuit Court for a fee reduction. If you prevail in the civil action by receiving a reduction of 50% or more of the total fee, the court may award all or an appropriate amount of reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and disbursements. If the court determines that FLTF acted arbitrarily and capriciously by charging an excessive fee, court may also award you punitive damages in the amount of $500.00.
If you believe that all or a portion of a public record has not been disclosed or has been improperly exempted from disclosure, you may file an appeal of the denial with FLTF’s board of directors. The appeal must be in writing, specifically state the word “appeal,” and identify the reason or reasons you are seeking a reversal of the denial.
Within 10 business days of receiving the appeal, as defined below, the board will respond in writing by:
- reversing the disclosure denial;
- upholding the disclosure denial; or
- reverse the disclosure denial in part and uphold the disclosure denial in part.
The board is not considered to have received an appeal until the board’s next regularly scheduled meeting after the appeal is submitted. The board may designate the board chair or any officer of FLTF to hear and decide any appeal.
Whether or not you submitted an appeal of a denial to the board, you may file a civil action in Midland County Circuit Court within 180 days after FLTF’s final determination to deny your request. Should you prevail in the civil action the court will award you reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and disbursements. If the court determines that FLTF acted arbitrarily and capriciously in refusing to disclose or provide a public record, the court shall award you damages in the amount of $1000.00.
Appeal of an Excessive FOIA Processing Fee
If you believe that the fee charged by FLTF to process your FOIA request exceeds the amount permitted by state law, you must first submit a written appeal for a fee reduction to the board chair. The appeal must be in writing, specifically state the word “appeal,” and identify how the required fee exceeds the amount permitted.
Within 10 business days after receiving the appeal, the board chair will respond in writing by:
- waiving the fee;
- reducing the fee and issue a written determination indicating the specific basis that supports the remaining fee;
- upholding the fee and issue a written determination indicating the specific basis that supports the required fee; or
- issuing a notice detailing the reason or reasons for extending for not more than 10 business days the period during which the Board Chair will respond to the written appeal.
Within 45 days after receiving notice of the board chair’s determination of the processing fee appeal, you may commence a civil action in Midland County Circuit Court for a fee reduction. If you prevail in the civil action by receiving a reduction of 50% or more of the total fee, the court may award all or an appropriate amount of reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and disbursements. If the court determines that FLTF acted arbitrarily and capriciously by charging an excessive fee, court may also award you punitive damages in the amount of $500.00.