How to File a Freedom of Information Act Request
Members of the public may make requests for inspection or for copies of public records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.
May be found online or at the Calhoun County Clerk’s Office.
Process for Submitting Requests (Per section 4(b), 5 ILCS 140/4)
The following are instructions on how to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with Calhoun County:
All FOIA requests for public records must be in writing, and should include the following information:
- The name, mailing address and contact information of the requester.
- A description of the records that are being requested
- Whether the request is for commercial purposes.
To make a request for inspection or for copies of office records, please submit your request by mail, fax, email, or deliver it to:
FOIA Officer – Lucas Fanning
Calhoun County State’s Attorney
101 N. County Road
P.O. Box 501 Hardin, IL 62047
Phone/Fax: (618) 576-9013
Lucas.Fanning@calhouncountyil.gov
Please be as specific as possible when describing the record(s) you are seeking. Please indicate if you would like copies of the requested records, or whether you wish to examine the records in person. You have the right to either option.
Remember, the Freedom of Information Act is designed to allow you to inspect or receive copies of records – it does not require staff of the public body to answer questions. To the extent that you wish to ask questions of a representative of one of the County Offices, please contact that office directly.
Fees
There is no fee for the first 50 pages of standard paper copies. A fee of $0.15 per page will be charged per additional page in excess of 50 pages. A fee will not be charged for documents that may be scanned and sent electronically, or may otherwise be made available by email.
You are permitted to ask for a waiver of copying fees. To do so, please include the following statement (or a similar statement) in your written FOIA request: “I request a waiver of all fees associated with this request.” In addition, you must include a specific explanation as to why your request for information is in the public interest—not simply your personal interest—and merits a fee waiver.