Freedom of Information Act Requests

The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) mandates that all persons (except those persons incarcerated in State or local correctional facilities) are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them. Antrim County and its departments will make information and records described as "public records" available to all persons entitled to full and complete information to the greatest extent possible. 

The Antrim County Administrator is the FOIA Coordinator for Antrim County. The Administration Office can assist you in identifying the public records that may contain the information you are seeking. Antrim County may withhold public records as permitted by certain exemptions and exclusions in the FOIA statute.  A summary of the procedures and guidelines is available. The full FOIA policy can be found here.

FOIA REQUEST
A request must sufficiently describe requested public record with relevant details such as names, dates, and department retaining the records, so that the FOIA Coordinator can find the requested record within a reasonable amount of time and effort. Please include "FOIA" or "FOIA Request" in the request to assist the County in providing a prompt response. No specific form to submit a written request is required, however an online FOIA request form is available for your use.*

Requests may be submitted in any form of written communication:

  • Emailed to FOIArequest@antrimcounty.org. (Please include "FOIA" or "FOIA Request" in the subject line.)*
  • Hand delivered to the Antrim County Building, 203 E. Cayuga Street, Room 204, Bellaire, MI 49615.
  • By mail to the Antrim County Administration Office, PO Box 187, Bellaire, MI 49615
  • Faxed to: (231)533-8111. (Please include "FOIA" or "FOIA Request" on the first/cover page.)*
Certain County officials are designated to act on his/her own behalf to accept and process written requests for the public records from their respective departments and approve denials.
The County Sheriff, The County Treasurer, The County Register of Deeds, the County Prosecutor, or The County Clerk (except in the role as Clerk to the Antrim County Circuit Court)
*(A written request that has been submitted electronically is deemed received  one business day after the electronic transmission has been made.)

Fees
Antrim County may require reimbursement of expenses associated with processing of requests for public records. If the cost of processing a FOIA request is $50 or less, the requester will be notified of the amount due and where the documents can be obtained. If, based on a good faith calculation, the cost of processing a FOIA request exceeds $50, a deposit of 1/2 of the total fee may be required. A more definitive description of potential fees and/or associated deposits can be found in the FOIA Policy.

Antrim County may provide public records without a charge or at a reduced charge if it is determined disclosure of the public record would primarily benefit the general public and that it is in the public interest to provide it without charge or at a reduced charge. 

The first $20.00 of the total processing fee for requested records will be waived if the requesting person submits an Affidavit of Indigence stating he/she is receiving public assistance or, if not receiving public assistance, stating facts demonstrating an ability to pay the cost due to indigence. 

Appeal of Fees or Denial of a Record 
If the fee charged by the County to process your records request exceeds the amount permitted by FOIA, you may file an appeal. You will receive a full description of your appeal rights.

If your public records request is denied, you have the right to appeal that decision. You will receive a full description of your appeal rights along with a denial.

Appeal an Excess Fee Appeal of Denial of Records