Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) Information
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state law providing citizens with access to Public Records. Public Records are documents produced by the County and not requests for information that are not in the form of a record or document.
Prior To Submitting Your Request
The information you are seeking may not require a FOIA request as it may already be accessible on the County’s website, or by contacting the department directly.
Remember that the Freedom of Information Act is designed to allow you to inspect or receive copies of Public Records. If you have a question for a representative of Monroe County, a FOIA request is not required. Please direct your question to the appropriate County Department or Elected Official’s office.
Submit Your Request
Requests can be made in writing. Be as specific as possible when describing the public records you are seeking – include your name, telephone number, mailing address, and e-mail address. Submit your written request in person, by mail, or e-mail to: Tim Stubblefield, FOIA Officer (see contact information below).
Response Time
All written requests shall be responded to within five (5) working days (5 ILCS/140/3) following the date the request is received, except in the instance when the request is for commercial purposes (within 21 working days). The five day count begins the day after receipt of request. The requestor will be notified of a five day extension (working days) if the files are voluminous, at different locations, or if other reasons make it impossible to assemble and mail the request out within the normal five day period.
Copy Fees
For black/white, letter or legal sized copies, the first 50 pages are free, unless a different fee is otherwise fixed by statute. Any additional pages beyond 50 will be charged at .15 cents per copy. Color or oversized copies will be charged the actual cost of copying.
Fee Waiver
You are permitted to request a waiver of copying fees associated with this request. Please 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.