Open Records (Freedom of Information Act)

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) enables citizens to access government records, promoting transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making. It empowers constituents to scrutinize government actions, participate in democracy, and hold officials accountable. FOIA also supports research, journalism, and advocacy, facilitating the uncovering of wrongdoing and the promotion of public interest.

FOIA provides the public the right to request access to records from public agencies. Agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA unless it falls under one of nine exemptions which protect interests such as personal privacy, government security, and law enforcement. This and more information about the FOIA can be found at www.foia.gov.

FOIA Requests

It is the policy of the Village of Ashmore to process all Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in accordance with State law. All requests for records must be submitted to the Village in writing (verbal requests for records are not acceptable).

There are several methods by which one can request records:

Physical

A paper FOIA request may be submitted either on blank paper or on the Village FOIA Request Form (link at the bottom of this page):

• In person at 10 W Ashmore St – Ashmore, IL 61912
• By mail or special delivery (USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.) to 10 W Ashmore St, PO Box 99 – Ashmore, IL 61912

Electronic / Digital

• Via our website at www.ashmore.gov
• Via email to [email protected]
• Via fax to 217-348-8358

The Village will respond to each written request within five (5) working days after receipt of a non-commercial request. The Village will supply up to fifty (50) black-and-white pages of requested records NOT intended for commercial use at no charge to the requester. Fees for additional copying are as follows:

• Black-and-white pages (LTR or LGL): $0.15 per page
• Color copies: $0.20 per page
• Oversize copies: at cost

If applicable, copies of public records will be provided only upon payment of the required fees. Certain records are exempt from inspection; if a document is exempt, you will be notified. A photo ID may be required to obtain some documents.

FOIA Officer:

Jackie Freezeland, Village Clerk

All notices and other communications relating to a request for public records, and all requests for any other information relating to the Village’s implementation of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, should be directed to the FOIA Officer at [email protected] or 217-349-8332.