Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) Requests

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Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) Requests

The City of Ellsworth is committed to providing access to public records in accordance with Maine’s Freedom of Access Act (FOAA). If you’re looking for a City record and can’t find it on our website, you can submit a request using the City’s online FOAA Request Form.

 

Before You Submit a Request
Many frequently requested City records are already available online, including meeting agendas and minutes, ordinances, budgets, property information, permits and other public documents. Checking the City website first may help you find what you need right away.

If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, we’re happy to help through the FOAA request process. First step of the process: fill out the FOAA Request Form! 

Ready to Make a Request?
Please use the City’s online FOAA Request Form. Using the form helps us receive, route, and track your request efficiently from submission through completion.

Questions?
If you have a question about the FOAA process, please contact the City of Ellsworth at foaarequest@ellsworthmaine.gov

For more information about Maine’s Freedom of Access Act, visit the Maine Freedom of Access Act website  and get answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

  • What Should I Include in My Request?
  • What Happens After I Submit?
  • Will There Be a Cost?
  • Are All City Records Public?

  • Are you wondering how much detail we need to fulfill your FOAA request?

    You don’t need to know which City department maintains the record or the exact name of the document. You do need to describe what you’re looking for as clearly and specifically as possible. Details such as the subject, names, property or location, type of record, and relevant dates or date ranges can help City staff locate responsive records more efficiently.

    FOAA provides access to existing public records. The City is not required to create a new record, report, analysis or document in response to a request.

  • You submitted your FOAA request form … now what?

    Once your request is received, the City will:

    1. Acknowledge receipt of your request within five working/business days (City Hall is closed on Fridays).
    2. Review the request and determine which City department or departments may have responsive records.
    3. Contact you if additional information or clarification is needed.
    4. Provide a good-faith estimate of the time needed to fulfill the request and any applicable fees.
    5. Gather and review responsive public records.
    6. Provide the records electronically whenever practical and notify you when the request has been fulfilled.

    Straightforward requests may be completed quickly. More complex requests will take additional time depending on the volume and location of records, the number of departments involved, staff availability, and whether records require legal, confidentiality or redaction review.

    If the estimated timeframe, and therefore cost, changes significantly, the City will provide an updated estimate.

  • Good question … will there be a cost?

    Yes, there could be a cost associated with your request. Most requests can be completed at no cost.

    Under Maine law, the City may charge for staff time ($25 / hour) associated with searching for, retrieving, compiling, reviewing and redacting records after the first two hours of staff time, as well as certain other allowable costs.

    If the estimated cost of fulfilling your request exceeds $50, the City will notify you before proceeding. Advance payment of estimated costs may be required.

    If fees are anticipated, the City will provide an estimate and you may have an opportunity to narrow or clarify your request to help reduce the cost and processing time.

     

  • Wondering if what you’re looking for is a Public Record?

    Most City records are public, but Maine law makes certain records—or portions of records—confidential or exempt from disclosure. When applicable, the City will provide the portions of a record that can legally be released while withholding or redacting information that is protected by law.

    You May Not Need to Submit a FOAA Request

    Many public records are already available right here on the City of Ellsworth website, including meeting agendas and minutes, ordinances, budgets, public notices and other City documents.

    Looking here first may get you the information you need much faster than submitting a FOAA request. From the City website homepage, use the search bar in the upper-right corner and enter a few words describing what you’re looking for. If you don’t find it the first time, try another search term — the information may be there under a slightly different name.

    Looking for a City meeting? You can also visit the City of Ellsworth YouTube channel, where recordings of many City Council, board, committee and commission meetings are available.

    If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please submit a FOAA request and we’ll help from there.