[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”wt-grey-curve-bg” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_enable_image=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row module_class=”valign” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Title” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][dipl_breadcrumb breadcrumb_layout=”layout2″ separator_text=”\/” separator_color=”#8fa7c5″ admin_label=”DP Breadcrumbs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”3486″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dipl_breadcrumb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Corporation Counsel provides legal representation, advice, and counsel to Ottawa County, its boards, departments, funded units, elected officials and employees so they can legally fulfill their official duties. The Department is a repository for County Ordinances<\/a> and maintains the Ottawa County Code. It also serves as the designated Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Coordinator for Ottawa County.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Frequent Requests” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Before submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, we encourage you to check the links below to see if the information you\u2019re looking for is already available online. You\u2019ll find many frequently requested documents here, including:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”FOIA Requests” button_url=”https:\/\/app.miottawa.org\/FOIA\/loadAppSettingsPublic.action” button_text=”Make a FOIA Request” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”fa7745f9-fc9b-4443-89bc-ca89ce29b539″ link_option_url=”https:\/\/app.miottawa.org\/FOIA\/loadAppSettingsPublic.action” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ottawa County makes it easy to request public records through our online FOIA Center. Submit your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request quickly and securely.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”FOIA Tips” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u200bFOIA gives you the right to access and copy public documents<\/em><\/strong>, subject to some statutory exemptions. To help you best frame your request, consider the following suggestions:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”1d566134-b38c-469c-b07f-eaf977b2d46e” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nFrequently Requested Information<\/h2>\n
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Tips for Making a FOIA Request<\/h2>\n
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FOIA provides access to existing public documents. It does not require staff to answer questions or create new explanations.
Example:<\/em> Requesting \u201cemails sent by the Planning Director about Project X\u201d works better than asking \u201cWhy was Project X approved?\u201d<\/li>\n
FOIA works best when you clearly identify the records you are seeking. Example: \u201cInvoices submitted by XYZ Construction in 2022\u201d rather than \u201cspending related to parking lot projects.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n
Requests that involve searching for documents you are unsure exist often result in large, costly searches. Example: \u201cDocuments about county technology\u201d is far less effective than \u201cthe 2024 IT Strategic Plan.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n
Identifying specific individuals and dates helps limit the search to relevant records.<\/li>\n
Terms such as \u201cany and all\u201d or \u201crelated to\u201d cannot be used effectively in electronic searches and often unnecessarily expand the scope.<\/li>\n
If you are asked to refine your request, the goal is to focus on the records you actually want while reducing search and review costs.<\/li>\n
FOIA sets deadlines for the initial response, but not for when records must be fully produced. Large or complex requests may take time. In some instances, where significant review will be required, such as with videos, it may take weeks or even months before you receive the documents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nContact Us<\/h2>\n