FOIA Procedures and Guidelines
It is the policy of Ash Township that all person, except those incarcerated, consistent with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees. The people shall be informed so that they may participated in the democratic process.
The Township’s policy with respect to FOIA requests is to comply with State law and to respond to FOIA requests in a consistent, fair, and even-handed manner regardless of who makes such a request.
The Township acknowledges that it has an obligation to disclose all nonexempt public records in its possession pursuant to a FOIA request. The Township acknowledges that sometimes it is necessary to invoke the statutory exemptions identified under FOIA in order to ensure the effective operation of government and to protect the privacy of individuals.
Ash Township will protect the public’s interest in disclosure, while balancing the requirement to withhold or redact portions of certain records. The Township’s policy is to disclose public records consistent with and in compliance with State law.
The Township Board has established the following written procedures and guidelines to implement the FOIA and will create a written public summary of the specific procedures and guidelines relevant to the general public regarding how to submit written requests to the public body and explaining how to understand a public body’s written responses, deposit requirements, fee calculations, and avenues for challenge and appeal. The written public summary will be written in a manner so as to be understood by the general public.
If you would like to fill out a FOIA request please click the link below, fill it out and you can email it to FOIA-request@ashtownship.org or mail it to:
FOIA-Request, PO Box 387, 1677 Ready Rd., Carleton, MI 48117.