Freedom of Information Requests (FOIA)

FOIA Requests

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law that allows for the disclosure of government information and documents. The Village of Westmont observes State of Illinois statute regarding FOIA requests.

Rules and Regulations Under the Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act is used to ensure that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government, and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials.The Freedom of Information Act is also used to make sure that public employees are consistent with the terms of this Act.

This Act is not intended to be used to violate individual privacy, nor for the purpose of furthering a commercial enterprise, or to disrupt the duly-undertaken work of any public body independent of the fulfillment of any of the rights of the people to access to information
(5 ILCS 140/1).

Unless information falls within an express statutory exemption, it must be disclosed under FOIA (5 ILCS 140/3).

Response Time

Non - Commercial Requests: Response to requests for public records must be fulfilled within five (5) business days after the day that request has been received. There are some exceptions to this rule depending on the size of the request.
Commercial Requests: A public body shall respond to a request for records to be used for commercial purpose within 21 working days after receipt. 

Fees

There is no copying fee for the first 50 black and white letter or legal sized copies.
Additional copies: 15¢ per page.
Color copies: 20¢ per page.
Oversized copies, recording medium (compact disk, tape, DVD) when applicable: Actual cost of production.
Certified copies: $1.00 each.

As of January 1, 2017 new FOIA laws took effect. Please contact the Village Hall for further information at 630-981-6222.

Submit or Check on an Existing FOIA Request

 Village FOIA Requests

To help ensure proper processing, the Village of Westmont recommends that FOIA requests, not related to police matters, be mailed to the Village of Westmont: 

Village of Westmont Clerk’s Office
Attn: Village of Westmont FOIA Officer Alicja Richards
31 W. Quincy Street
Westmont, IL 60559

Requests may also be submitted in person or via fax 630-829-4441. For additional information, contact Village of Westmont FOIA Officer Alicja Richards via email FOIA or call 630-981-6222.

Police FOIA Requests 
FOIA requests for Police Department information should be sent to:  

Westmont Police Department - Records 
500 N. Cass Avenue
Westmont, IL 60559