FOIA Request Process

Hayes Township FOIA Request Process

Hayes Township (Charlevoix County) FOIA Request Process

 

Hayes Township provides dedicated FOIA resources on its official website (hayestownshipmi.gov), including procedures, a written public summary, forms, and fee guidelines. The process follows Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.), with no major changes affecting local governments as of December 2025.

Step 1: Identify the FOIA Coordinator

  • The Township Clerk (Kristin Baranski) typically serves as the FOIA coordinator.
  • Contact: clerk@hayestownshipmi.gov or Township Hall: 09195 Major Douglas Sloan Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720 | Phone: (231) 547-6961.
  • Visit the FOIA section: https://www.hayestownshipmi.gov/foia/ (includes links to Policy and Guidelines, Written Public Summary, Inspection of Records, Cost Work Sheet, and Forms).

Step 2: Submit Your Written Request

  • Requests must be in writing (email, mail, hand delivery, or fax). Verbal requests do not trigger formal FOIA obligations, though they may allow informal inspection.
  • Use the township’s FOIA Request Form (recommended for ease): Download from https://www.hayestownshipmi.gov/5-foia-forms/ or https://www.hayestownshipmi.gov/applications-forms-fees/.
  • Describe records specifically (e.g., “Approved meeting minutes and resolutions from the Hayes Township Board for all 2025 meetings”).
  • Include “FOIA Request” in email subject lines.
  • Submit to: Township Clerk (email/mail as above) or in person at Township Hall.
  • Note: All record reviews require a completed FOIA form and appointment (per township homepage notice).

Step 3: Township Response Timeline

  • Response within 5 business days of receipt (may extend by 10 business days with written notice).
  • Options: Grant, partial grant (with redactions), deny (with exemptions explained), or direct to publicly available records.

Step 4: Inspection and Copies

  • Verbal requests may allow on-site inspection (reasonable facilities provided; pencils only for notes; supervised).
  • For formal requests: Inspection possible, but township may provide copies instead to protect originals (e.g., for redaction or delicate/digital files).
  • Fees apply (detailed in Cost Work Sheet: https://www.hayestownshipmi.gov/foia-cost-work-sheet/).

Step 5: Fees

  • Based on labor, copying, and mailing (itemized via township’s Fee Itemization Form).
  • Good-faith deposit possible (up to 50% if >$50).
  • Reductions/waivers for public interest or indigency.

Step 6: Appeals and Denials

  • Appeal denials/fees to the Township Board (or Supervisor).
  • Further appeal to circuit court.

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