FAQ Page
Q. What law or statute governs public records requests?
A. Section 30-4 of the S.C. Code of Laws.
Q. Are the public records that I'm seeking already available without submitting a request?
A. Some publicly available records have already been published; some examples are City Council meeting agendas, minutes and audio; budgets; check registers; audits and monthly financial reports.
Q. What's the SEARCH feature on the portal homepage?
A. The SEARCH feature on the portal homepage allows the public to search a database of requests and records that have been published by the City of Simpsonville. While not all records or requests are published, your desired record may already be published and available.
Q. How do I use the SEARCH feature?
A. Select SEARCH on the portal homepage and use the keyword search box and filter feature to search for desired records. Members of the public are always welcome to submit a public records request regardless of whether a related record or request has been published.
Q. Will there be any fees associated with my public records request?
A. A public body like the City of Simpsonville may establish and collect reasonable fees for the processing of public records requests (Section 30-4-20[B]). Depending on the type/s of requested record/s and amount of staff time required for processing, your public records request may incur fees. For our FOIA fee schedule, please view Supporting Documents at the following link: Public Record Requests.
Q. What information is necessary to include in the description of records that I'm requesting?
A. Be as specific and detailed as possible in describing the records that you're requesting to ensure your public records request is processed as quickly and efficiently as possible to reduce research time. Include titles of records, dates and timelines, names of people and any other information that may help reduce processing time and therefore minimize any potential fees that your request may incur.
Q. What information is unnecessary to include in the description of records that I'm requesting?
A. Name or describe only the records that you are requesting. Try to avoid providing background information, explanations, narratives, rationales or general comments to ensure that your public records request is processed quickly and efficiently.
Q. How long will it take to receive any publicly available records that I request?
A. If a record that you request is publicly available, the City has 10 business days (20 business days for records 24 months or older) to respond and inform you that your request will be processed. From either the date of the City's initial response or the end of the 10- or 20-business day period, the City has 30 calendar days (35 calendar days for records 24 months or older) to furnish any publicly available records in response to your request. Business days exclude weekends and public holidays that are recognized by the City (Section 30-4-30[C]).
Q. What could delay the processing of my public records request or receiving any records?
A. One or more of the following factors could delay the provision of publicly available records in response to your request:
- Failure to pay incurred fees
- Failure to respond to correspondence from City staff
- Requests that are broad in scope, include numerous records or require extensive staff time to process and research
- Requests that are vague without referencing any specific records
Q. Can I have all the records that I request in electronic format?
A. While some publicly available records my exist and can be furnished in electronic format, not all records exist in electronic format. The City is not required to create an electronic version of a public record when one does not exist to fulfill a records request (Section 30-4-30[A][2]). If an electronic version of a public record is made, the City may charge for any staff time used to transfer the record to electronic format (Section 30-4-30[B]).
Q. To whom do I direct questions about public records request?
A. Direct all questions about public records request to [email protected].