FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARY
What information should my FOIA request include?
Provide the following information in your request:
- The date of the request.
- A detailed description of the documents being requested.
- Information about how to provide you with the requested documents. Please let us know if you want documents in a specific format (e.g., large print, Braille, electronic documents).
- Information about how to communicate with you effectively. Please let us know if you want written communications in a specific format (e.g., large print, Braille, electronic documents).
- Your full name, address, the telephone numbers where we can reach you during the day and evening, and your signature.
To guide you in providing the requested information, you may use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request for Information Form available from Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority.
How do I file a FOIA request by mail or in person?
Include all of the information listed above, either in the body of your letter or on the Request for Information Form. Include any relevant documents with your letter. Send or hand-deliver your request to:
Ron Schalow, FOIA Coordinator
Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority
18710 16 Mile Road, POB 1116
Big Rapids MI 49307
(231) 796-4896
How do I file a FOIA request by fax?
Include all of the information listed above, either in the body of your letter or on the Request for Information Form. Include any relevant documents with your letter. Fax your request to:
Ron Schalow, FOIA Coordinator
(231) 796-4137
How do I file a FOIA request by email?
Include all of the information listed above, either in the body of the email or in an attachment. Attach any relevant documents to your email. Send your request to:
Ron Schalow, FOIA Coordinator
How soon will I receive a written response?
You will receive a response to your request within five (5) business days. Please keep a copy of your request and the response for your records. If you do not receive a response within five (5) business days, please contact the FOIA Coordinator at (231) 796-4896.
What will the written response include?
The written response will do one of the following:
- Grant the request.
- Deny the request.
- Grant the request in part and deny the request in part.
- Extend for not more than ten (10) business days the period during which we will respond to the request.
How are costs calculated, and is there a deposit requirement?
We will calculate costs according to the following schedule:
- Labor costs associated with searching for, locating and examining public records.
- Labor costs associated with separating and deleting non-exempt information from exempt information.
- Labor costs associated with duplication, including making paper and digital copies.
- Costs for duplication not including labor.
- Costs for copies provided on non-paper physical media such as CD’s or flash drives.
- Cost of mailing.
These costs will be itemized in detail for you.
We require that all charges associated with the processing of a FOIA request be paid in full before releasing any public records to an individual who has unpaid charges associated with the processing of a prior FOIA request.
A deposit may be required if the estimated costs exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).
If I disagree with the written response to my request, how can I appeal?
You may appeal any decisions of the the FOIA Coordinator in writing to the MOTA Board of Directors. Your appeal should specifically state the word “Appeal” on the envelope and should identify your reasons for the disagrrment. Send or hand-deliver your appeal requestto
Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority
Att’n: Chair, Board of Directors
18710 16 Mile Road
POB 1116
Big Rapids MI 49307
You may appeal any decisions of the MOTA Board of Directorsto any court of competent jurisdiction.