FOIA
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is an Illinois state statute that provides the public the right to access government documents and records. The law provides that a person can ask a public body for a copy of its records on a specific subject and the public body must provide those records, unless there is an exemption in the statute that protects those records from disclosure.
As of January 1, 2010, changes to the Freedom of Information Act went into effect. Please note the following:
- The new law changes the time for response to five business days. An extension of five business days is permitted under various circumstances.
- Those submitting a request for a commercial purpose must identify that purpose or be subject to statutory penalties. The Park District then has a reasonable period (up to 21 days) considering the size and complexity of the request to comply.
- The request must be submitted in writing, although the use of a particular form is no longer required.
- There will be a $0.50 per page copy charge. If your request is a hard copy to be mailed, postage fees will be added to the total copy charge.
The Genoa Park District has appointed a FOIA Officer to provide public records as expeditiously and efficiently as possible under the law. The District’s FOIA Officer is Paul Bafia, Executive Director.