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FOIA - How to File a Freedom of Information Act Request

FOIA

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

A brief description of our public body that is located at 1701 17th St., Viola, IL 61486, is as follows:

Our purpose is to provide programs and services that bring people together, foster creativity, and encourage lifelong learning.

The total amount of our operating budget for FY26 is: $131,716.18

Funding sources are property and personal property replacement taxes, state and federal grants, fines, charges, and donations. Tax levies are: General Corporate Fund (general operating expenditure), IMRF, Social Security and Unemployment Fund, Insurance Fund, Building & Maintenance Fund

We have approximately the following number of persons employed: 1 Full-time, 1 Part-time, & 1 Volunteer

 The following organization exercises control over our policies and procedures: The ViolaPublic Library District Board of Trustees, which meets monthly on the 1st Wednesday of each month, 6:00 p.m., at the library.

Its members are: Kathy Carter, President; Mark Trergo, Vice President; Linda Engels, Secretary; Mindi Schultz, Treasurer; Mike DeLoose, Evelyn Lemon, and Lacey Matkovic

ORGANIZATION CHART:

                                                                        Taxpayers

                                                                                  |

                                                                  Board of Trustees

                                                                                   |

                                                                           Director

                                                                                    |

                                                     Library Clerk          Program Clerk

 

You may request the information and the records available to the public in the following manner:

Written request: in person or mailed to 1701 17th St., PO Box 479, Viola, IL 61486; or email to the FOIA officer,  Lill Batson violapld@hotmail.com
You must indicate whether you have a “commercial purpose” in your request.

Freedom of Information Act Fees: Digital copies shareable via electronic means are provided free of charge. Records can be available for physical inspection or copying. The charge for copies of the records will be as follows:

  • First 50 pages black and white, letter size: Free
  • 10 cents per page for black and white, letter size, after 50 pages
  • 25 cents per page for color or oversized copies or electronic media
  • Reproduction saved to other media: actual cost of the recording media (flash drive, etc.) to which the information will be saved

Responses to Requests for Records: Responses to commercial requests can be expected within 21 business days of the receipt of a written request. If an extension is required, a FOIA officer from the library will reach out to the requestor. Responses for non-commercial requests can be expected within 5 business days of the receipt of a written request. If an extension is required, a FOIA officer from the library will reach out to the requestor.

Procedure for Appealing A Denial: If your request for information is denied, or denied in part, you have the right to have your request reviewed by the Public Access Counselor (PAC) at the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. 5 ILCS 140/9.5(a). You can file your Request for Review by writing to:

Public Access Counselor
Office of the Illinois Attorney General
500 South 2nd Street
Springfield, IL 62701
public.access@ilag.gov
877-299-3642

You also have the right to seek judicial review of your denial by filing a lawsuit in the State circuit court. 5 ILCS 140/11. If you choose to file a Request for Review with the PAC, you must do so within 60 calendar days of the date of this denial letter. 5 ILCS 140/9.5(a). Please note that you must include a copy of your original FOIA request and the denial letter when filing a Request for Review with the PAC.