(A) I.C. 5-14-3 et seq., also known as the Access to Public Records Act, establishes the law concerning access to public records in the State of Indiana and this subchapter shall be construed according to the policy and direction of that statute. I.C. 5-14-3-1 states that "a fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional form of representative government is that government is the servant of the people and not their master. Accordingly, it is the public policy of the State that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees."
(B) The provisions of this policy shall be liberally interpreted and construed to promote full access to the town's public records in order to assure continuing public confidence in government; but that the town shall prevent unreasonable invasions of privacy, shall protect public records from damage or disorganization, shall prevent excessive interference with essential government functions, while maintaining compliance with I.C. 5-14-3 et seq. in all respects.
(C) The town, including any agency, department, employee, officer, agent, or any other person(s) conducting town business shall not deny or interfere with the ability of any member of the public to inspect or copy records within a reasonable amount of time after the request is received by the town, provided the request was submitted in proper form, clearly states the document(s) requested, and that the requested record(s) are not exempt from disclosure, as defined by statute.
(Ord. 2022-03, passed 7-26-2022)