Politics & Government

It's Your Right to Stick Your Nose in Village Business

If you're going to do it, do it right.

As a taxpayer, how your money is being spent in your community is your business.

Make it so. Keep in mind that you have the legal right to access public records in the —or anywhere, for that matter.

Wondering about outstanding local fines or code violations? Curious about emergency response times? Request the documents through the Freedom of Information Act, the statute that governs the inspection of public records.

Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It's really not as difficult or scary as it may sound. Really, anyone can do it.

I was pleased to find out that some residents here in Tinley, do take advantage of their rights through the FOIA.

Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In May, the village received 35 requests for various public documents, costing a total of $629.63. Between May 2010 and May 2011, the village spent 302 hours filling 337 requests that cost $10,375, according to village documents.

Not too shabby, Tinley.

For a full chart outlining May FOIA traffic in Tinley Park including what people asked for, when they asked for it and how much it cost, check back with Patch tomorrow.

Of course, there are exemptions to what you can get (some docs are confidential). But if you are denied—for whatever reason—you can tweak your request and resubmit it. You may be denied again, but it's worth a shot.

Here's some general info about how to file a Tinley FOIA request:

  • To get copies of records or to look at them, you must file a written request. A FOIA request form is available on the village website to make the process easier.
  • The village will respond—one way or the other—within five business days after a request is received. The countdown starts with the first business day after officials get it.
  • If more time is needed to fill a request, the village will send a letter saying so within those five days.
  • Any written request faxed or e-mailed after normal business hours will be considered received on the next business day.
  • Completed requests can be sent to Village of Tinley Park Deputy Clerk Laura Godette via mail, fax, in person or by e-mailing foia@tinleypark.org.

FOIA Fees:

  • First 50 pages: No Fee
  • 51 pages and beyond: 15 cents per page
  • Certifying a public record: $1 per record
  • All other requests requiring outside duplication shall be charged the actual cost for the duplication.

Tinley FOIA procedures were pulled from the Village of Tinley Park website.


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