A victory for free information
Pulaski County Clerk Pat O'Brien sends along a note on Quorum Court action (inaction, actually) today on the nutty idea by JPs Alan Kerr and Steve Goss to charge an outrageous 25 cents a page to view public information on the Internet.
The Ways and Means Committee did not even introduce the measure this morning. Apparently, several opponents of the measure voiced concern in the last 24 hours. I did answer several questions about what we are doing but they were more informational. I told the members that if they were pulling down the measure then I would not have anything else to say. Other county elected officials and department heads were prepared to speak against the measure also. It seems to be resolved for the immediate future.
Comments
Just when I think I've heard the most stupid thing......
and actual paper copies should be only a few cents (actual cost) instead of the ridiculous 25 cents a page. FOI advocates should do something about the 25 cent charge for paper copies. And what about counties charging $25 for voter records that are a digital file and cost nothing to distribute?
Posted by: Meet John Doe![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 8, 2008 01:10 PM
It would be nice to get some clarification on this little zinger in the FOIA. Somebody should ask for an itemized statement the next time they are charged 25 cents for a copy. I don't think "Copy charge - 25 cents" would cut it.
25-19-105(d)
(3)(A)(i) Except as provided in § 25-19-109 or by law, any fee for copies shall not exceed the actual costs of reproduction, including the costs of the medium of reproduction, supplies, equipment, and maintenance, but not including existing agency personnel time associated with searching for, retrieving, reviewing, or copying the records.
* * *
(B) The custodian shall provide an itemized breakdown of charges under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section.
Can you imagine custodians trying to itemize the underlying costs on a 25 cent charge?
Posted by: Phoenix![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 8, 2008 01:36 PM
$.03-copy fee
$.07-toner/copier maint. fee
$.05-uh, electricity fee
$.10-emotional distress fee
Posted by: ettiem![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 8, 2008 02:15 PM
My office can print black and white copies for less than 2 cents a copy (not including electricity which of course would be very minimal).
Posted by: reallawyer![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 8, 2008 03:58 PM
Reallawyer,
Does that include labor? Do you meet twenty-four hour deadlines? Do you collate? Where are you located?
Posted by: docholliday![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 8, 2008 07:21 PM
Sorry Doc but if I were in the copying biz I'd be charging more than the 2-3 cent actual cost (labor not included since FOI doesn't allow it)!
Posted by: reallawyer![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 9, 2008 12:13 AM