Public Record Request

Requests for public information (formally known as open records requests) are handled in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552.01 (et seq).  All requests for public information should be submitted to the City Secretary. This procedure allows the city to accurately document the date each request is received and respond to the requestor promptly. If the request cannot be produced within ten (10) business days, the City Secretary will notify the requestor in writing of the reasonable date and time when it will be available.

Procedures for making a request: The request must ask for records or information already in existence. The Act does not require the city to create new information, to do legal research or to answer questions.

Charges to the requestor: A person can ask to view the information, receive copies of the information or both. The city will assess copying and/or compiling fees based on the fee schedule set out by the state.  If charges should occur, the city will send an itemized estimate and ask for a response in writing and/or payment within ten (10) business days, verifying that the requestor accepts, modifies or denies the cost being charged.

Any person who requests public information has the responsibility to:

            1. Submit the request by completing the Public Information Request Form

            2. Include enough description and detail of the information being requested so the city can accurately identify and locate

                the information, and

            3. Cooperate with the city’s reasonable requests that clarify the type or amount of information that is requested.

The city shall promptly release requested information that is not confidential by law.  Documents considered public information shall be made available for review and/or copying.

For any items that the city wishes to withhold, the city will ask for a ruling from the Office of the Texas Attorney General.  The requestor will be sent a copy of that communication. If the request cannot be produced within ten (10) business days, the City Secretary will notify the requestor in writing of the reasonable date and costs if applicable.

All questions concerning Public Information requests should be directed to the City Secretary, 936-829-4757.