Norwich Township FOIA Procedures and Guidelines — how to request public records under Michigan law
The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq., provides the public with the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records held by Norwich Township. Norwich Township is committed to transparency and will respond to all FOIA requests in accordance with Michigan law.
All requests must be in writing
The Township Clerk serves as the designated FOIA Coordinator for Norwich Township. All FOIA requests must be submitted to the FOIA Coordinator in writing.
Requests must be submitted in writing and must describe the public record sought with sufficient detail to allow the township to identify and locate it.
Your request must be in writing (letter, email, or completed request form). Describe the records you are seeking as specifically as possible — include dates, subject matter, names, or document types to help the Coordinator locate the records.
Deliver your written request by mail, email, or in person to the Township Clerk at the address or email above. Requests submitted by email are considered received on the date the email is sent to the Coordinator's address.
Norwich Township will respond within 5 business days of receiving your request. The township may grant the request, deny it, issue a notice of extension (up to 10 additional business days), or request clarification.
The township may charge fees for labor, duplication, and mailing costs as permitted by FOIA. A fee estimate will be provided before records are produced. The first $20 of fees is waived for indigent individuals.
Once any applicable fees are paid, the township will provide the requested records in the format requested (paper copies, electronic files, or inspection) to the extent permitted by law.
Fees are charged in accordance with the Michigan FOIA and the Township's adopted fee schedule. The township will provide a written fee estimate before fulfilling any request.
Labor — Search & Retrieval
Charged at the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the task, including benefits, for requests exceeding the first hour (first hour is free).
Duplication — Paper Copies
Actual cost per page for standard paper copies (black & white, letter or legal size).
Electronic Records
Actual cost of the digital media (USB drive, CD) if the requester asks for records on physical media; no charge for email delivery.
Mailing
Actual cost of postage and packaging if the requester asks for records to be mailed.
Fee Waiver — Indigent Individuals
The first $20 of fees is waived for individuals who submit an affidavit stating they are indigent and unable to pay.
Not all public records are subject to disclosure under FOIA. Michigan law exempts certain categories of records from disclosure, including but not limited to: personnel records, medical records, attorney-client privileged communications, records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, and records specifically exempted by other state or federal law. If a request is denied in whole or in part, the FOIA Coordinator will provide a written explanation citing the applicable exemption.
If your FOIA request is denied or you are dissatisfied with the township's response, you may appeal the decision. You have two options: (1) submit a written appeal to the Township Township Board within 180 days of the denial, or (2) file a civil action in the Newaygo County Circuit Court within 180 days of the denial. If the court finds the denial was arbitrary and capricious, the township may be required to pay attorney fees and damages.
Norwich Township has adopted a FOIA Procedures and Guidelines document as required by Michigan law. A copy is available for inspection by contacting the Township Clerk. The document describes the township's procedures for processing requests, calculating fees, and handling appeals.
Request a CopyIf you have questions about the FOIA process or need assistance preparing a request, contact the Township Clerk.
Township Clerk / FOIA Coordinator
Stacie Langworthy
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