FOIA Policy - Summary For Southwest Michigan Regional Airport

Purpose

·         Establishes procedures for handling public records requests under the Michigan FOIA (MCL 15.231 et seq.).

·         Ensures transparency, timeliness, and compliance with state law.

FOIA Coordinators

·         Airport Director and/or Office Manager designated as FOIA Coordinators.

·         Responsible for receiving, processing, approving denials, and ensuring compliance.

·         May delegate duties as permitted by law.

Contact Information

·         Director: director@swmiairport.com

·         Office Manager: office@swmiairport.com

·         Written FOIA requests must be directed to a Coordinator.

Submitting Requests

·         Must be in writing (mail, email, or in person).

·         Must include detailed description of records sought, requester’s name, address, and contact info.

·         Entities must provide an individual agent’s contact details.

Response Timeline

·         Initial response within 5 business days.

·         One allowable extension of up to 10 business days with written notice.

Procedures & Public Summary

·         Written Procedures & Guidelines and Public Summary available at the Airport office and website.

·         Airport uses the Detailed Itemization of Fees form for requests involving costs.

Fees & Costs (per MCL 15.234)

·         Labor: billed at lowest-paid qualified employee’s rate, in 15-minute increments.

·         Copies: $0.10 per sheet (standard B/W, double-sided when cost-effective).

·         Electronic media: actual reasonable cost (USBs, CDs, etc., if available).

·         Mailing: actual postage + supplies; expedited/insurance charged if requested.

·         Fringe benefits: up to 50% of labor cost may be added.

·         Fee Waivers: First $20 waived for indigent individuals or qualifying nonprofits.

Deposits

·         Up to 50% deposit if estimated cost exceeds $50.

·         100% deposit required if requester has outstanding unpaid FOIA fees.

Denials & Appeals

·         Denials include legal basis, explanation, and appeal rights.

·         Appeals may be submitted in writing to the Airport Board or pursued in circuit court (MCL 15.240).

Appeals of Fees

·         May appeal to Airport Board in writing ('Appeal' required in title).

·         May also file a lawsuit in circuit court under MCL 15.240a.

Record Retention

·         All FOIA-related documents retained at least 1 year, per retention schedule and MCL 15.233(2).