REV January-2020
ORS 192.440(3) authorizes a public body to establish fees to reimburse for actual costs in
making public records available. The actual costs may include: a charge for the time spent
by the public body’s staff in locating the public records; reviewing the records in order to
delete exempt material; supervising a person’s inspection of original documents in order to
protect the records; copying records; certifying documents as true copies; or sending
records by special methods such as express mail. The St. Helens City Council adopted
Resolution No. 1789, including any amendments, establishing a system of recovering City
expenses incurred in responding to public documents and records requests.
Please be advised that all requests for Public Records
must be made in writing to the City Recorder or City Attorney
A $20 deposit* must be paid at the time of request. The deposit must be paid before any
requests are processed. If the actual costs exceed the deposit, you will be notified prior to
the research continuing. If the actual costs are less than the deposit paid, a refund of the
overage will be processed. However, if after paying the $20 deposit, you decide you do
not want the information requested, but staff has already conducted the research, you will
forfeit the $20 deposit.
If you are indigent or have no means to pay for your request, you must complete an
Application for Waiver or Reduction of Fees form and submit it at the time of your Public
Records Request.
For additional information, please contact City Hall at 503-397-6272.
*Exception: Set fees for certain items (e.g. Police Report, etc.)
.