IFOIA

ILLINOIS FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

FOIA is the state Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), records in possession of public agencies may be accessed by the public upon written request.

Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140, Section 2 ( c ), a public record is any records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications recorded information and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared by or for, or having been or being used by, received by, in the possession of or under the control of any public body.

Costs for Documents

First 50 Pages	No charge
Ove 50 Pages	.15 Per Page

How to File a Freedom of Information Act Request with Iroquois County:

Members of the public may make requests for inspection or for copies of public records for Iroquois County under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.

Process for Submitting Requests (Per section 4(B), 5 ILCS 140/4):

The following are instructions on how to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with
Iroquois County:

1. The name, mailing address and contact information of the requester.
2. A description of the records that are being requested.
3. Whether the request is for commercial purposes.

To make a request for inspection or for copies of office records, please submit your request by mail, fax, email, or deliver it to:

FOIA Officer – Iroquois County:
Amanda Longfellow
Executive Assistant/FOIA Officer
1001 E. Grant St.
Watseka, IL 60970
Fax: 815-432-5462
Email: [email protected]

Please be as specific as possible when describing the records you are seeking. Please indicate if you would like copies of the requested records, or whether you wish to examine the records in person. You have the right to choose either option.

Remember, the Freedom of Information Act is designed to allow you to inspect or receive copies of records – it does not require staff of the public body to answer questions. To the extent that you wish to ask questions of a representative of Iroquois County, you may call our office at 815-432-6955 ext. 2 to be directed to the proper department.

Fees

There is no fee for the first 50 pages of standard paper copies. A fee of $0.15 per page will be charged per additional page more than 50 pages. A fee will not be charged for documents that may be scanned and sent electronically or may otherwise be made available by email.

You are permitted to ask for a waiver of copying fees. To do so, please mark the box accordingly. In addition, you must include a specific explanation as to why your request for information is in the public interest – not simply your personal interest – and merits a fee waiver.