Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)


The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives citizens the right of access to most public records.  In general, all records except those specifically cited as exceptions are covered by the FOIA. A public body is permitted to withhold some public records under the Act - See MCL 15.243.

A FOIA request must be made in writing and provided to the FOIA coordinator.  Northfield Township's designated FOIA coordinator is the Township Manager, Mark Lloyd.   A FOIA coordinator may designate another individual to act on his or her behalf to accept requests for processing. 

The public body must respond to a request for a public record within 5 business days. The public agency can notify the requester in writing and extend the time for an additional 10 business days.  All FOIA requests submitted should be as specific as possible.  If any requested information is available on-line, the requestor will be directed to the appropriate page on our website.

Per the Freedom of Information Act, a public body may charge a fee for the necessary copying of a public record for inspection, or providing a copy of a public record to a requester. A public body may also charge for search, examination, and review and the separation of exempt information. The fee is limited to actual duplication, mailing, and labor costs. Northfield Township does charge fees for requests made to our office.  The first $20 of a fee must be waived for a person who is receiving public assistance or presents facts showing inability to pay because of indigence (must be able to prove hardship).

For your convenience, we've consolidated links to various areas of our website related to open, transparent government.  Please send your FOIA requests to the Township Manager.

Broadcasted Board Meetings
Northfield Township Document Center (Meeting Agendas, Minutes & Packets for Board of Trustees, Planning Commission, ZBA, etc.)