(A) Purpose. It is the policy of the village that openness leads to a better informed citizenry, which leads to better government and better public policy. It is the policy of the village to strictly adhere to the State’s Public Records Act. All exemptions to openness are to be construed in their narrowest sense and any denial of public records in response to a valid request must be accompanied by an explanation, including legal authority, as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. If the request is in writing, the explanation must also be in writing.
(B) Public records. RECORDS shall have the same meaning as found in the Ohio Revised Code, All records of the village are public unless they are specifically exempt from disclosure under the Ohio Revised Code. It is the policy of the village that, as required by state law, records will be organized and maintained so that they are readily available for inspection and copying.
(C) Record requests.
(1) Although no specific language is required to make a request, the requester must at least identify the records requested with sufficient clarity to allow the public office to identify, retrieve, and review the records. If it is not clear what records are being sought, the records custodian should contact the requester for clarification, and should assist the requestor in revising the request.
(2) The requester does not have to put a records request in writing, and does not have to provide his or her identity or the intended use of the requested public record, except as shall be provided for in the Ohio Revised Code.
(3) Public records are to be available for inspection during regular business hours, with the exception of published holidays. Public records must be made available for inspection promptly. Copies of public records must be made available within a reasonable period of time. “Prompt” and “reasonable” take into account the volume of records requested; the proximity of the location where the records are stored; and the necessity for any legal review of the records requested.
(4) Any denial of public records requested must be done in accordance with the Ohio Revised
Code.
(D) Cost. Those seeking public records will be charged only the actual cost of making copies.
(1) The charge for paper copies is $0.05 per page.
(2) The charge for downloaded computer files to a compact disc is $1 per disc.
(3) There is no charge for documents e-mailed.
(4) Requesters may ask that documents be mailed to them. They will be charged the actual cost of the postage and mailing supplies.
(5) The village may require the requester to pay in advance the cost involved in providing the copy of the public record in accordance with the choice of format made by the requester.
(Res. 2016-041, passed 11-21-2016)