General
FOIA does not require a public body to make a compilation, summary, or report of information, nor does it require a public body to create a new public record.
FOIA provides a means for citizens to receive copies of public records. It is not a means to request answers to questions. You may find the answer to your question by searching the County website or contacting a department directly.
Court Records
Exemptions
No. MCL 15.243(d) states, “[r]ecords or information specifically described and exempted from disclosure by statute” are not subject to FOIA. MCL 333.2888 states, “[v]ital records and information or any part of the information contained in a vital record is not subject to the provisions of the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.” Vital records such as birth, death and marriage certificates may be obtained for a fee from the Clerk’s Office and recorded property records may be obtained for a fee from the Register of Deeds.
Fees/Payment
Fees may be charged for responding to a FOIA request in accordance with FOIA and the County’s Guidelines and Procedures. The County may charge a fee for: searching for, locating, and examining public records; separating and deleting (redacting) exempt from nonexempt information; duplication or publication of records; and the actual cost of mailing the public records.
When the fees exceed $50, the County may require a deposit of 1/2 the costs to respond to a request. The deposit must be paid in order for the request to be processed.
