FOIA

City Clerk’s Office – Police Department

The Freedom of Information Act or ‘FOIA’ gives people the right to request and receive documents from government entities. A document must already be in existance to be FOIAd. There is a list below of commonly requested documents and information that is already publicly available. If you aren’t sure if you need to file a FOIA request, you can call the Clerk’s Office at (906) 228-0430 or the Police Department for Police related records (906) 228-0400.

FOIA Process:

Fill Out Form

You can use this form linked below to submit a FOIA request. We will need a name, address, and details on the information you are requesting. If you have questions on how to best format your request to get the information you are looking for, you can call the clerk’s office at (906) 228-0430.

Submit Request

Once you have filled out your form, you can submit it either through email or in person. The form is not necessary for a FOIA request, but it does help make sure the request has all of the proper information. Our staff will review the request and reach out to the contact listed to complete the process.

Receive Documents

If the request requires significant staff time or resources, you may be billed for that time. Once you have paid in part, we will complete the request and compile the files requested. These will be available to the requestor either over email or with a physical copy.                                     

Basic Information:

Commonly Requested Documents:

Zoning Verification Letter: To request a zoning verification letter, you will need to go through the zoning office, either on their webpage here or at their office at 1100 Wright St. There is a $95 fee to get a zoning verification letter. 

Zoning ordinance and zoning map: An interactive zoning map of the City is available here. You can see the full land development code here.

Property Information: Assessments, taxable value, sale history, and property descriptions are all available on a third party website – BS&A. You must first create an account to view records. If you are looking up a property other than your own there is a $6 fee. 

City Commission Agendas and Minutes: All agendas and legal minutes for City Commission meetings are available through a third party website – CivicPlus. 

Current or Past Water/Utility Bills: You can view your utility (water) billing information on BS&A. You must create an account to view records.

Boards and Committees Agendas and Minutes: All boards and committees have their agendas and legal minutes posted to Civic Plus. 

City Budget Information: City expenditures, revenues, and fees are all available for viewing on the finance department page here. 

Exceptions

State and Federal FOIA laws lay out certain documents and information that is exempt from FOIA, meaning if you request it it may be redacted from the documents you receive, or your request may be denied. You can appeal a denial using the FOIA Denial Appeal form listed at the bottom of this page.