FOIA Appeals
If you would like to appeal your FOIA request, please call our FOIA Administrative Coordinator at (517) 540-8756
How to Appeal a Denied FOIA Request
You may submit a written appeal to the Board of Commissioners that specifically states the word “appeal” and identifies the reason or reasons for reversal of the denial. 10 business days after the Board receives a written appeal, we will do one of the following:
- Reverse the denial.
- Issue a written notice to you upholding the denial.
- Reverse the denial in part and issue a written notice to you upholding the denial in part.
- Under unusual circumstances, issue a notice extending the time to respond for no more than 10 business days.
- You may begin a civil action in Circuit Court to compel the Board’s disclosure of the public records within 180 days after a public body’s final determination to deny a request.
- You have the right to receive attorneys’ fees and damages as provided in MCI 15.240 if, after judicial review, the Court determines that the Board has not complied with MCL 15.235 and orders disclosure of all or a portion of a public record.
How to Appeal a Fee
If the Board requires a fee that, in your opinion, exceeds the amount permitted under its procedures and guidelines or MCL 15.234, you may submit a written fee appeal to the Board of Commissioners for a fee reduction. Your appeal must specifically state the word “appeal” and identify how the required fee exceeds the amount permitted. 10 business days after the Board receives a written fee appeal, we will do one of the following:
- Waive the fee.
- Reduce the fee and issue a written determination indicating the basis for the remaining fee.
- Uphold the fee and issue a written determination indicating the basis for upholding the fee.
- If necessary, issue a notice extending the time to respond for no more than 10 business days.
45 days after the Board issues a written determination on the fee appeal, or if the Board failed to respond to the fee appeal, you may begin civil action in Circuit Court.