XXIV E. FOIA Cost Itemization
The text below is a summary of the form and is for your information only. You can pick up at form at the library.
Library: Keep original and provide copies of both sides of each sheet, along with Public Summary, to requestor at no charge.
Detailed Cost Itemization (forms)
White Pigeon Township Library, St. Joseph County
102 N. Kalamazoo St., P.O. Box 399
White Pigeon, MI 49099
Phone: 269-483-7409
Freedom of Information Act Request Detailed Cost Itemization
Freedom of Information Act Request
Itemized Cost Worksheet
Date: ___________ Prepared for Request No.: ____________________________ Date Request Received: __________
The following costs are being charged in compliance with Section 4 of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.234, according to the library’s FOIA Policies and Guidelines.
1. Labor Cost for Copying / Duplication
This is the cost of labor directly associated with duplication of publication, including making paper copies, making digital copies, or transferring digital public records to be given to the requestor on non-paper physical media or through the Internet or other electronic means as stipulated by the requestor.
This shall not be more than the hourly wage of the library’s lowest-paid employee capable of necessary duplication or publication in this particular instance, regardless of whether that person is available or who actually performs the labor.
These costs will be estimated and charged in 15-minute time increments as set by the library board (for example: 15-minutes or more); all partial time increments must be rounded down. If the number of minutes is less than one increment, there is no charge.
Hourly Wage Charged: $19.00 Charge per increment: $4.75
OR
Hourly Wage with Fringe Benefit Cost: $________ OR
Multiply the hourly wage by the percentage multiplier: ______%
(up to 50% of the hourly wage) and add to the
hourly wage for a total per hour rate. Charge per increment: $_________
Overtime rate charged as stipulated by Requestor (overtime is not used to calculate the fringe benefit cost)
To figure the number of increments, take the number of minutes: ____, divide by 15 -minute increments, and round down.
Enter below:
Number of increments
x __________ =
1.
Labor Cost $_________
2. Labor Cost to Locate:
This is the cost of labor directly associated with the necessary searching for, locating, and examining public records in conjunction with receiving and fulfilling a granted written request. This fee is being charged because failure to do so will result in unreasonably high costs to the library that are excessive and beyond the normal or usual amount for those services compared to the library’s usual FOIA requests, because of the nature of the request in this particular instance, specifically:________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The library will not charge more than the hourly wage of its lowest-paid employee capable of searching for, locating, and examining the public records in this particular instance, regardless of whether that person is available or who actually performs the labor.
These costs will be estimated and charged in 15-minute time increments (must be 15-minutes or more); all partial time increments must be rounded down. If the number of minutes is less than 15, there is no charge.
Hourly Wage Charged: $19.00 Charge per increment: $4.75
OR
Hourly Wage with Fringe Benefit Cost: $________ OR
Multiply the hourly wage by the percentage multiplier: ______%
(up to 50% of the hourly wage) and add to the
hourly wage for a total per hour rate. Charge per increment: $_________
Overtime rate charged as stipulated by Requestor (overtime is not used to calculate the fringe benefit cost)
To figure the number of increments, take the number of minutes: ___, divide by 15 -minute increments, and round down.
Enter below:
Number of increments
x __________ =
2.
Labor Cost $_________
3a. Employee Labor Cost for Separating Exempt from Non-Exempt (Redacting):
(Fill this out if using a library employee. If contracted, use No. 3b instead).
The library will not charge for labor directly associated with redaction if it knows or has reason to know that it previously redacted the record in question and still has the redacted version in its possession.
This fee is being charged because failure to do so will result in unreasonably high costs to the library that are excessive and beyond the normal or usual amount for those services compared to the library’s usual FOIA requests, because of the nature of the request in this particular instance, specifically:_______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
This is the cost of labor of a library employee, including necessary review, directly associated with separating and deleting exempt from nonexempt information. This shall not be more than the hourly wage of the library’s lowest-paid employee capable of separating and deleting exempt from nonexempt information in this particular instance, regardless of whether that person is available or who actually performs the labor.
These costs will be estimated and charged in 15-minute time increments (must be 15-minutes or more); all partial time increments must be rounded down. If the number of minutes is less than 15, there is no charge.
Hourly Wage Charged: $19.00 Charge per increment: $4.75
OR
Hourly Wage with Fringe Benefit Cost: $________ OR
Multiply the hourly wage by the percentage multiplier: ____%
(up to 50% of the hourly wage) and add to the
hourly wage for a total per hour rate. Charge per increment: $_________
Overtime rate charged as stipulated by Requestor (overtime is not used to calculate the fringe benefit cost)
To figure the number of increments, take the number of minutes: ____, divide by 15 -minute increments, and round down.
Enter below:
Number of increments
x __________ =
3a. Labor Cost $_________
3b. Contracted Labor Cost for Separating Exempt from Non-Exempt (Redacting):
(Fill this out if using a contractor, such as the attorney. If using in-house employee, use No. 3a instead.)
The library will not charge for labor directly associated with redaction if it knows or has reason to know that it previously redacted the record in question and still has the redacted version in its possession.
This fee is being charged because failure to do so will result in unreasonably high costs to the library that are excessive and beyond the normal or usual amount for those services compared to the library’s usual FOIA requests, because of the nature of the request in this particular instance, specifically:_______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
As this library does not employ a person capable of separating exempt from non-exempt information in this particular instance, as determined by the FOIA Coordinator, this is the cost of labor of a contractor (i.e.: outside attorney), including necessary review, directly associated with separating and deleting exempt information from nonexempt information. This shall not exceed an amount equal to 6 times the state minimum hourly wage rate of _____ (currently $8.90).
Name of contracted person or firm: _________n/a_________________________________________
These costs will be estimated and charged in ____-minute time increments (must be 15-minutes or more); all partial time increments must be rounded down. If the number of minutes is less than 15, there is no charge.
Hourly Cost Charged: $________ Charge per increment: $_________
To figure the number of increments, take the number of minutes: ____, divide by _____ -minute increments, and round down to: ____ increments.
Enter below:
Number of increments x __________ =
3b. Labor Cost $_________
4. Copying / Duplication Cost:
Copying costs may be charged if a copy of a public record is requested, or for the necessary copying of a record for inspection (for example, to allow for blacking out exempt information, to protect old or delicate original records, or because the original record is a digital file or database not available for public inspection).
No more than the actual cost of a sheet of paper, up to maximum 10 cents per sheet for:
- Letter (8 ½ x 11-inch, single and double-sided): 10 cents per sheet
- Legal (8 ½ x 14-inch, single and double-sided): 10 cents per sheet
No more than the actual cost of a sheet of paper for other paper sizes:
- Other paper sizes (single and double-sided): n/a cents / dollars per sheet
Actual and most reasonably economical cost of non-paper physical digital media:
- Circle applicable: Disc / Tape / Drive / Other Digital Medium Cost per Item: $5.00
The cost of paper copies must be calculated as a total cost per sheet of paper. The fee cannot exceed 10 cents per sheet of paper for copies of public records made on 8-1/2- by 11-inch paper or 8-1/2- by 14-inch paper. A library must utilize the most economical means available for making copies of public records, including using double-sided printing, if cost saving and available.
Number of Sheets: x ________ =
No. of Items: x __________ =
Costs: $_________
4. Total Copy Cost $_________
5. Mailing Cost:
The library will charge the actual cost of mailing, if any, for sending records in a reasonably economical and justifiable manner. Delivery confirmation is not required.
- The library may charge for the least expensive form of postal delivery confirmation.
- The library cannot charge more for expedited shipping or insurance unless specifically requested by the requestor.*
Actual Cost of Envelope or Packaging: $__________
Actual Cost of Postage: $___________ per stamp
$___________ per pound
$_________ per package
Actual Cost (least expensive) Postal Delivery Confirmation: $_________
*Expedited Shipping or Insurance as Requested: $________
* Requestor has requested expedited shipping or insurance
6a. Copying/Duplicating Cost for Records Already on Library’s Website:
If the public body has included the website address for a record in its written response to the requestor, and the requestor thereafter stipulates that the public record be provided to him or her in a paper format or non-paper physical digital media, the library will provide the public records in the specified format and may charge copying costs to provide those copies.
No more than the actual cost of a sheet of paper, up to maximum 10 cents per sheet for:
- Letter (8 ½ x 11-inch, single and double-sided): 10 cents per sheet
- Legal (8 ½ x 14-inch, single and double-sided): 10 cents per sheet
No more than the actual cost of a sheet of paper for other paper sizes:
- Other paper sizes (single and double-sided): n/a cents / dollars per sheet
Actual and most reasonably economical cost of non-paper physical digital media:
- Circle applicable: Disc / Tape / Drive / Other Digital Medium Cost per Item: $5.00
Requestor has stipulated that some / all of the requested records that are already available on the library’s website be provided in a paper or non-paper physical digital medium.
6a. Web Copy Cost $_________
6b. Labor Cost for Copying/Duplicating Records Already on Library’s Website:
This shall not be more than the hourly wage of the library’s lowest-paid employee capable of necessary duplication or publication in this particular instance, regardless of whether that person is available or who actually performs the labor. These costs will be estimated and charged in 15-minute time increments (i.e.: 15-minutes or more); all partial time increments must be rounded down. If the number of minutes is less than 15, there is no charge.
Hourly Wage Charged: $19.00 Charge per increment: $4.75
OR
Hourly Wage with Fringe Benefit Cost: $________ OR
Multiply the hourly wage by the percentage multiplier: ______%
and add to the hourly wage for a total per hour rate. Charge per increment: $_________
The library may use a fringe benefit multiplier greater
than the 50% limitation, not to exceed the actual costs of providing the information in the specified format.
Overtime rate charged as stipulated by Requestor
To figure the number of increments, take the number of minutes:
____, divide by 15 -minute increments, and round down. Enter below:
Number of increments
x __________ =
6b. Web Labor Cost $_________
6c. Mailing Cost for Records Already on Library’s Website:
Actual Cost of Envelope or Packaging: $__________
Actual Cost of Postage: $___________ per stamp / per pound / per package
Actual Cost (least expensive) Postal Delivery Confirmation: $_________
*Expedited Shipping or Insurance as Requested: $_________
* Requestor has requested expedited shipping or insurance
6c. Web Mailing Cost $_________
Cost estimate
Bill
Subtotal Fees Before Waivers, Discounts or Deposits: 1. Labor Cost for Copying:
2. Labor Cost to Locate:
Estimated Time Frame to Provide Records:
_________________________ (days or date)
The time frame estimate is nonbinding upon the library, but the library is providing the estimate in good faith. Providing an estimated time frame does not relieve the library from
any of the other requirements of this act.
3a. Labor Cost to Redact:
3b. Contract Labor Cost to Redact:
4. Copying/Duplication Cost:
5. Mailing Cost:
6a. Copying/Duplication of Records on Website:
6b. Labor Cost for Copying Records on Website:
6c. Mailing Costs for Records on Website:
Subtotal Fees
Waiver: Public Interest
A search for a public record may be conducted or copies of public records may be furnished without charge or at a reduced charge if the library determines that a waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest because searching for or furnishing copies of the public record can be considered as primarily benefiting the general public.
All fees are waived OR All fees are reduced by: __________%
Subtotal Fees After Waiver: $_________
Discount: Indigence
A public record search must be made and a copy of a public record must be furnished without charge for the first $20.00 of the fee for each request by an individual who is entitled to information under this act and who:
1) Submits an affidavit stating that the individual is indigent and receiving specific public assistance, OR
2) If not receiving public assistance, stating facts showing inability to pay the cost because of indigence.
If a requestor is ineligible for the discount, the public body shall inform the requestor specifically of the reason for ineligibility in the public body's written response. An individual is ineligible for this fee reduction if ANY of the following apply:
(i) The individual has previously received discounted copies of public records from the same public body twice during that calendar year, OR
(ii) The individual requests the information in conjunction with outside parties who are offering or providing payment or other remuneration to the individual to make the request. A public body may require a statement by the requestor in the affidavit that the request is not being made in conjunction with outside parties in exchange for payment or other remuneration.
Subtotal Fees After Discount (subtract $20): $_________
Discount: Nonprofit Organization
A public record search must be made and a copy of a public record must be furnished without charge for the first $20.00 of the fee for each request by a nonprofit organization formally designated by the state to carry out activities under subtitle C of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 and the federal Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act, if the request meets ALL of the following requirements:
(i) Is made directly on behalf of the organization or its clients.
(ii) Is made for a reason wholly consistent with the mission and provisions of those laws
under section 931 of the Michigan Mental Health Code, 1974 PA 258, MCL 330.1931.
(iii) Is accompanied by documentation of its designation by the state, if requested by the library.
Subtotal Fees After Discount (subtract $20): $_________
Deposit: Good Faith
The library may require a good-faith deposit in either its initial response or a subsequent response before providing the public records to the requestor if the entire fee estimate or charge authorized under this section exceeds $50.00, based on a good-faith calculation of the total fee. The deposit cannot exceed 1/2 of the total estimated fee. Percent of Deposit: _________%
Date Paid: ____________ Deposit Amount Required: $_________
Deposit: Increased Deposit Due to Previous FOIA Fees Not Paid In Full
After a library has granted and fulfilled a written request from an individual under this act, if the library has not been paid in full the total amount of fees for the copies of public records that the library made available to the individual as a result of that written request, the library may require an increased estimated fee deposit of up to 100% of the estimated fee before it begins a full public record search for any subsequent written request from that individual if ALL of the following apply:
(a) The final fee for the prior written request was not more than 105% of the estimated fee.
(b) The public records made available contained the information being sought in the prior written request and are still in the tlibrary's possession.
(c) The public records were made available to the individual, subject to payment, within the best effort estimated time frame given for the previous request.
(d) Ninety (90) days have passed since the library notified the individual in writing that the public records were available for pickup or mailing.
(e) The individual is unable to show proof of prior payment to the library.
(f) The library calculates a detailed itemization, as required under MCL 15.234, that is the basis for the current written request's increased estimated fee deposit.
A library can no longer require an increased estimated fee deposit from an individual if ANY of the following apply:
(a) The individual is able to show proof of prior payment in full to the library, OR
(b) The library is subsequently paid in full for the applicable prior written request, OR
(c) Three hundred sixty-five (365) days have passed since the individual made the written request for which full payment was not remitted to the library.
Date Paid: ___________ Percent Deposit Required: ________% Deposit Required: $_________
Late Response Labor Costs Reduction
If the library does not respond to a written request in a timely manner as required under MCL 15.235(2), the library must do the following:
(a) Reduce the charges for labor costs otherwise permitted by 5% for each day the library exceeds the time permitted for a response to the request, with a maximum 50% reduction, if EITHER of the following applies:
(i) The late response was willful and intentional, OR
(ii) The written request included language that conveyed a request for information within the first 250 words of the body of a letter, facsimile, electronic mail, or electronic mail attachment, or specifically included the words, characters, or abbreviations for "freedom of information,” "information,” "FOIA,” "copy", or a recognizable misspelling of such, or appropriate legal code reference for this act, on the front of an envelope, or in the subject line of an electronic mail, letter, or facsimile cover page.
Number of Days Over Required Response Time: ___________ Multiply by 5% = Total Percent Reduction: ____________
Total Labor Costs $_________ Minus Reduction $_________ = Reduced Total Labor Costs $_________
The Public Summary of the library’s FOIA Procedures and Guidelines is available free of charge from:
Website:_______________________________________ Email: ___________________________________
Phone: ____________________ Address:______________________________________________________
Request Will Be Processed, But Balance Must Be Paid Before Copies May Be Picked Up, Delivered or Mailed
Date Paid: ____________ Total Balance Due: $_________
(Form created by Michigan Townships Association, April 2015)