Public Records Request
PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
This form is intended to provide a means for members of the public to obtain copies of public documents. Each applicant must complete this form, ensuring that information on how to contact the applicant be fully completed.
The City of Alexander City follows the State of Alabama guidelines for processing Public Records Requests.
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 734
For the full Executive Order please copy/paste this link in your browser: https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2023/01/executive-order-734/
•Establishes improved response times based on the type of public records request being made:
• A standard request is a public records request that seeks one or more very clearly identified documents that the agency determines would take less than 8 hours of staff time to process. Subject to modest extensions and the receipt of any required payment, the agency will be prepared to provide a substantive response within 15 business days.
• A time-intensive request is a public records request the agency determines would take more than 8 hours of staff time to process, perhaps because the request itself is vague or overly broad or because substantial efforts will be required to locate documents or redact legally protected information. Agencies will give the requester an option to clarify and narrow the request. Subject to extensions and the receipt of any required payment, the agency will be prepared to provide a substantive response fulfilling or denying the request within 45 business days.
•Establishes a uniform fee schedule. Executive Order 734 cuts fees by providing that no per-page fee be charged for records provided electronically. The fee schedule is as follows:
• Document retrieval and preparation: The agency may charge the requester up to $20.00 per hour, including a standard, minimum fee of $20.00, for time spent locating, retrieving and preparing records for production. The agency may not charge for legal review or redaction necessary to withhold legally protected information.
• Per-page fees: The agency may charge a per-page fee of up to $.50 for copies produced on standard 8.5×11 paper. This fee is not applicable for documents provided electronically.
• Actual cost: The agency may also charge any actual costs incurred in processing a public records request if the requester is informed of the cost in advance of being charged. For example, the requester may be charged for a flash drive or other hardware necessary for electronically producing records, for special paper sizes and for costs associated with searching electronic databases.
Costs and Fees are to be paid by Money Order, Certified Check or Cash before they can be released.
To accommodate time-intensive requests, a non-refundable payment equal to half of the expected costs/fees is required before our staff can dedicate the necessary time to locate the documents.
Standing public requests must be completed each year. For example, if a request is approved in September it will be void as of December 31st and must be renewed prior to January 1st to continue to receive documents.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the City Clerk at (256) 329-6700 or email cityclerk@alexandercityal.gov
