It is the policy of Livingston County that all persons, except those incarcerated, consistent with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees. The people shall be informed so that they fully participate in the democratic process.
The County will comply with State law in all respects and to respond to FOIA requests in a consistent, fair, and even-handed manner regardless of who makes such a request.
The County acknowledges that it has a legal obligation to disclose all nonexempt public records in its possession pursuant to a FOIA request and that sometimes it is necessary to invoke the exemptions identified under FOIA in order to ensure the effective operation of government and to protect the privacy of individuals. We will protect the public's interest in disclosure, while balancing the requirement to withhold or redact portions of certain records.
Note: The Livingston County Courts, as well as the County Clerk and Employees when acting as the Clerk of the Circuit Court, are exempt from requests for information made under FOIA.
Effective December 28,
2018, a request from an individual, other than an individual who qualifies as
indigent under section 4(2)(a), MCL 15.234(2)(a), must include the requesting
person’s complete name, address, and contact information, and,
if the request is made by a person other than an individual, the
complete name, address, and contact information of the person’s agent who is an
individual. An address must be written in compliance with United
States Postal Service addressing standards. Contact information must
include a valid telephone number or electronic mail address. To learn
more, visit http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-act-442-of-1976
FOIA Procedure Documents:
Forms:
FOIA - Request Form
FOIA - Detailed Cost Worksheet
FOIA - Response Time Extension Request
FOIA - Appeal of Denial of Records
FOIA - Appeal of Excess Fee
FOIA - Affidavit of Indigency