Freedom of Information Request (FOIA)
To Make a FOIA Request
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), (5 ILCS 140/1) requests can be made in writing, online, or in letter form. Use of form is not mandatory.
Mailed requests shall be deemed received on the business day of their arrival. Emails at times other than the above hours shall be noted as received the business day following their electronic arrival.
For general and for non-commercial requests, the City will respond within five (5) working days after the request is received (starting with the 1st working day after a request is received). Commercial requests have up to 21 days for a response. In cases where additional time is necessary, an extension letter will be sent within the five (5) day period. In order to expedite all FOIA requests, please be as specific as possible in your explanation of the records you are seeking.
To request City of Quincy public information, please use the City of Quincy FOIA request form(PDF, 186KB). (Note: This form is NOT for Quincy Police Department records.)
To request Quincy Police Department public information, please use the Quincy Police Department’s FOIA request form(PDF, 164KB).
FEES
All requests obtained through the Freedom of Information Act shall be subject to the following fees: (Except for information obtained from the Quincy Police Department or for Commercial requests)
| 8 1/2" x 11", 8 1/2" x 14" black and white copies, up to 50 pages: |
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No fee |
| 8 1/2" x 11", 8 1/2" x 14" black and white copies, over 50 pages: |
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$0.15 per page after the first 50 pages |
| All other black and white copies: |
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Will be charged actual cost to reproduce |
| All color copies: |
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Will be charged actual cost to reproduce |
| All other requests will be charged based on the actual cost of consumables. |
| All requests requiring outside duplication services will be charged for the actual cost of duplication. |
Records Exempt From Fees
Requests to waive the Freedom of Information Act fee must be made in writing to the City’s FOIA officer and must state if the primary purpose of the requested information is to access and disseminate information regarding the health, safety and welfare or the legal rights of the general public and is not for the principal purpose of personal or commercial benefits.
Responses to FOIA Requests
The City will respond in one of the following ways:
- If the request is granted, records will be provided in a practicable manner (with email/PDF being the preferred method). In cases where documents are to be inspected in person, a written response will be sent advising where the documents are located and the period of availability. If a fee is required, the requestor will be informed in advance. The fee must be paid before the record(s) will be released.
- A request may be approved in part and denied in part. If a fee is required, the requestor will be informed in advance.
- If the request is denied, a written response containing the basis for the denial will be sent. The denial will cite the exemption as provided by the Freedom of Information Act.
The policy of the City of Quincy is the prompt disclosure of all non-exempt public information in an orderly and respectful manner. As noted above, we make every effort to fulfill requests by email to save postage and personnel expense.
For more information on Freedom of Information Requests, please visit the Illinois Attorney General's website.
City of Quincy FOIA Organizational Chart