Once upon a time:
From: Holly Young <hyoung@templeton1.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 4, 2018 3:37 PM
To: 'jeff bennett'
Cc: 'townadministrator'
Jeff:
The public records request you sent would consist of approximately 362 pages copied at $.05/page = $18.10; Copying the DVD = $5; and labor at approximately 15 minutes for the lowest paid person in the office at $19.70 per hour =$4.93; Total of $28.03.
Upon confirmation from you that you wish to have it prepared and pay the fee of $28.03, I will get that ready for you and you can come in with your payment to pick it up. I will need approximately 2 days to prepare it depending on what else I have for work.
After receiving the cost estimate, I printed the law and went to selectmen meeting to inquire about the $18.10 for 181 pages (361 pages printed both sides + 181 and that is important)
Public Records law states:
Fees for Copies
In addition to the search and segregation fees, records custodians may charge
$0.05 for either single and double-sided black and white paper copies or printouts.
When the request is for materials that are not susceptible to ordinary means of reproduction, such as photographs or computer tapes, the
actual cost of reproduction may be assessed to the requester.27 There are also specific statutes that establish fees for copies of public records.
Since the law states 5 cents a page for either one sided or both sides printed, I had to attend selectmen meeting to explain the charge for 181 double sided copies should be $9.05 rather than $18.10. Yup, I got a refund and that is why you always have to check Templeton town hall math.
