Should you pay for public records? If so, how much?

That is what is being considered by the Office of Open Records Counsel (OORC), in conjunction with the Advisory Committee on Open Government (ACOG). The announcement clear in regards to details. Here is a chance for your voice to be heard regarding what is reasonable charges for copies of public records, as well as the policy related to charges for frequent and multiple requests. Vivian REMINDER WHAT: Public Hearing on the Proposed Fee Schedule for Public Records Requests WHEN: Friday, September 5, 2008 WHAT DO I DO? 1. Please read the press release and proposed fee schedule and policy below. 2. Testifying: If you have concerns and would like to testify in person, please contact John Holloway of the TML staff immediately at jholloway@tml1.org or 615-255-6416 to ensure your place on the agenda. 3. Written Comments: If you are unable to attend the hearing in person, you may submit written comments via email to open.records@state.tn.us or to the Office of Open Records Counsel at 505 Deadrick Street, James K. Polk Building, Suite 1700, Nashville, TN 37243, before the close of business on Friday, September 5. Any written comments received after September 5 will not be considered. NOTE: As a member of the Advisory Committee, TML will not be testifying. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each municipality to ensure its concerns are considered. Previous Release: On September 5, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. CST, in Room 16 of Legislative Plaza, 6th Avenue, in downtown Nashville, the Office of Open Records Counsel (OORC), in conjunction with the Advisory Committee on Open Government (ACOG), will hold a public hearing to seek input regarding charges for duplication of public records. The purpose of the hearing is to give both Tennessee records custodians and citizens an opportunity to comment on factors to be considered by the OORC and the ACOG when developing the schedule of reasonable charges for copies of public records, as well as the policy related to charges for frequent and multiple requests. Both oral and written comments, limited to the fees proposed in the Schedule and Policy Comment Form (click here to access the Schedule and Policy Form), may be submitted. It is imperative that municipalities that have objections or input participate in this hearing. Municipalities that wish to comment at the hearing must contact TML (jholloway@tml1.org ) prior to Thursday, September 4, 2008, so that we can make sure you are included on the schedule. Each participant commenting will be limited to three (3) minutes. Written comments for consideration at the hearing must be received by the OORC before the close of business on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, and may be submitted by email to open.records@state.tn.us or delivered to OORC at 505 Deaderick Street, James K. Polk Bldg., Suite 1700, Nashville, TN 37243. Please copy TML on any written comments at jholloway@tml1.org or 226 Capitol Boulevard, Suite 710, Nashville, TN 37219. Visitors to the Legislative Plaza are required to pass through a metal detector and must present photo identification. Individuals with disabilities who wish to participate in this meeting should contact the OORC to discuss any auxiliary aids or services needed to facilitate such participation as soon as possible to allow time to provide such aid or service. Tennessee Municipal League 226 Capital Boulevard Nashville, TN 37219