Records Access

Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)

The Freedom of Information Law, effective January 1, 1978, reaffirms your right to know how your government operates. It provides rights of access to records reflective of governmental decisions and policies that affect the lives of everyone.

You may use the below form to file a FOIL request in-person or by mail. Submissions are reviewed by the Town Clerk/Records Officer.

Under the Provisions of the New York State Freedom of Information Law, Article 6 of the Public Officers Law, you may request records or portions thereof. A request for access to records should be sufficiently detailed to identify the records. Where possible, the requester should supply information regarding dates, titles, or other information which may help identify the records.

New York State Freedom of Information Law

Fulfillment of Request

The Freedom of Information Law requires that an agency respond to a request within five business days of receipt of the request.

Requests for Records & Fees

• All requests for public access to records should be made in writing on the prescribed form.
  
• The fee charged for copies is $ .25 cents per page.

FOIL Request Form

Denial of Access to Records

The Town Supervisor shall hear appeals for denial of access of records under the Freedom of Information Law.

Denial of access shall be in writing stating the reason therefore and advising the requester of his right to appeal to the individual or body established to hear appeals, and that person or body shall be identified by name, title, business address, and business telephone number.

The time for deciding an appeal by the individual or body designated to hear appeals shall commence upon receipt of written appeal identifying:

• The date and location of requests for records;
• The records to which the requester was denied access;
• The name and return address of the requester;
• The individual designated to hear appeals shall inform the requester of its decision in writing within seven business days of receipt of an appeal

Specific questions or advice regarding either the Freedom of Information Law or the Open Meetings Law should be addressed to:

Committee on Open Government
NYS Department of State
162 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231
Telephone: (518) 474-2518

Free brochures available from the Committee on Open Government include:

Personal Privacy Protection Law
Your Right to Know