Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, 1976 PA 442, provides the public with the right to inspect, copy, or receive copies of existing public records of public bodies, subject to exemptions and other applicable law.
FOIA Contact
Bill Scharfenberg, Assistant Controller
FOIA Coordinator Designee
County of Montmorency
P.O. Box 789, Atlanta, MI 49709
(989) 785-8030
[email protected]
FOIA Contact
Bill Scharfenberg, Assistant Controller
FOIA Coordinator Designee
County of Montmorency
P.O. Box 789, Atlanta, MI 49709
(989) 785-8030
[email protected]
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FOIA Overview
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Submit a Request
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Fees & Processing
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Appeals & Denials
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Find Records Online
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overview
County of Montmorency provides access to public records in accordance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. FOIA applies to existing public records maintained by the County in the performance of an official function. It does not require the County to create a new record, prepare a new compilation, or answer questions when no responsive record exists.
Response Time
The County generally responds within 5 business days after receiving a written request. The County may grant the request, deny it, grant it in part and deny it in part, or issue one extension of not more than 10 additional business days.
A FOIA response is the County's disclosure determination. Large or complex requests may require additional processing time before all records are produced.
Response Time
The County generally responds within 5 business days after receiving a written request. The County may grant the request, deny it, grant it in part and deny it in part, or issue one extension of not more than 10 additional business days.
A FOIA response is the County's disclosure determination. Large or complex requests may require additional processing time before all records are produced.
submit a request
A FOIA request must be in writing and must describe the public record sufficiently to enable the County to find it. Use of the County form is encouraged but is not required.
Your request must include:
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
County of Montmorency
Attn: FOIA
P.O. Box 789
Atlanta, MI 49709
Your request must include:
- Complete name
- Mailing address that complies with USPS addressing standards
- Valid telephone number or email address
- A clear description of the records requested
- If made on behalf of a business or organization, the complete name, address, and contact information of the individual agent making the request
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
County of Montmorency
Attn: FOIA
P.O. Box 789
Atlanta, MI 49709
fees & processing
Michigan law permits the County to charge certain costs associated with processing a FOIA request. When a fee is assessed, the County will provide a Detailed Cost Itemization.
Allowable charges may include copying/duplication labor; certain search, locate, examine, review, and redaction labor when the statutory requirements are met; non-paper media; paper copies; and mailing. Standard letter- and legal-size paper copies will not exceed $0.10 per sheet.
If the estimated fee exceeds $50, the County may require a good-faith deposit of up to 50% of the estimated fee before processing begins. The deposit notice will include a detailed estimate and a best-efforts estimate of the time needed to complete the request after the deposit is received.
Records may also be inspected during normal business hours by arrangement with the FOIA contact.
Allowable charges may include copying/duplication labor; certain search, locate, examine, review, and redaction labor when the statutory requirements are met; non-paper media; paper copies; and mailing. Standard letter- and legal-size paper copies will not exceed $0.10 per sheet.
If the estimated fee exceeds $50, the County may require a good-faith deposit of up to 50% of the estimated fee before processing begins. The deposit notice will include a detailed estimate and a best-efforts estimate of the time needed to complete the request after the deposit is received.
Records may also be inspected during normal business hours by arrangement with the FOIA contact.
APPEALS & DENIALS
If all or part of a request is denied, the County will provide a written notice explaining the basis for the denial and the requester's appeal rights.
Appeal of a Denial
A written appeal must specifically state the word "appeal" and explain why the disclosure determination should be reversed. Appeals are submitted to the County of Montmorency Board of Commissioners.
Appeal of a Fee
A requester who believes a FOIA fee exceeds the amount permitted by law or the County's Procedures and Guidelines may submit a written fee appeal to the Board of Commissioners.
Appeal of a Denial
A written appeal must specifically state the word "appeal" and explain why the disclosure determination should be reversed. Appeals are submitted to the County of Montmorency Board of Commissioners.
Appeal of a Fee
A requester who believes a FOIA fee exceeds the amount permitted by law or the County's Procedures and Guidelines may submit a written fee appeal to the Board of Commissioners.
find records online
Many commonly requested County records are already available online and can be accessed without submitting a FOIA request.
Can't find the record you're looking for? Submit a written FOIA request using the Submit a Request tab.
FOIA DOCUMENTS
DOWNLOAD COMPLETE FOIA GUIDEBOOK
Includes the County's Written Public Summary, FOIA Procedures & Guidelines, request form, appeal forms, fee itemization, and County response forms.
DOWNLOAD COMPLETE FOIA GUIDEBOOK
Includes the County's Written Public Summary, FOIA Procedures & Guidelines, request form, appeal forms, fee itemization, and County response forms.
The information on this webpage is provided as a general guide. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act and the County of Montmorency's FOIA Procedures and Guidelines govern the processing of requests. If there is a conflict, applicable law and the County's FOIA Procedures and Guidelines control.