Freedom of Information Request
Overview
"It is vital in a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner so that citizens shall be advised of the performance of public officials and of the decisions that are reached in public activity and in the formulation of public policy." S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-15.
As a public entity, the Laurens Commission of Public Works is dedicated to complying with the letter and spirit of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and makes its public records available pursuant to and subject to the limitations of the FOIA.
Information Available Online
Various documents are available online.
Records Request
FOIA requests must be in writing. The request should clearly and specifically describe the records sought, and include detailed identifying information (e.g., names, places, and the period of time). Please include contact information in case there are questions regarding the request. Requests should be addressed to:
FOIA Request via:
Email: feedback@lcpw.com
Mail: FOIA Request
Laurens CPW
PO Box 349
Laurens SC 29360
We will respond to the request and produce any non-exempt responsive records, in a mutually convenient format, within the statutory time frames provided by S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30. Certain records are exempt from public disclosure pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-40 and will not be provided or will be provided with redactions. If necessary, a representative of the Laurens CPW will contact the requestor to coordinate the production or review of the responsive documents.
Fees
Reasonable fees not to exceed the actual costs of searching for, retrieving, redacting, and reproducing records requested under the FOIA will be charged in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-30.
Fees are subject to change at any time without notice.
Labor Fees
|
Description |
Fee/Hour |
|
A minimum charge shall be paid for all requests (except certain walk-in requests) |
$ 10.00 |
|
Research, Retrieval, & Redaction |
$ 35.00* |
|
Convert documents to electronic format (performed at Laurens CPW’s discretion) |
$ 35.00 plus cost of media |
|
Deposit |
25% of estimated costs |
*Labor fees are based upon the minimum hourly wage of the lowest paid positions which, in the Laurens CPW’s reasonable discretion, have the necessary skill and training to respond to basic FOIA requests. FOIA requests requiring a higher level of skill and training to respond will incur higher hourly labor rates.
Reproduction Fees
|
Copy Type |
Paper Size |
Price/Sheet |
|
Black & White |
8.5” x 11” |
$ 0.20 |
|
Black & White |
8.5” x 14” |
$ 0.29 |
|
Black & White |
11” x 17” |
$ 0.54 |
|
Color |
8.5” x 11” |
$ 0.59 |
|
Color |
8.5” x 14” |
$ 0.69 |
|
Color |
11” x 17” |
$ 0.89 |
Reproduction fees do not apply to records which exist in electronic format and will be electronically transmitted. If electronic records are too large to send or receive by e-mail, an additional charge for the actual cost of the media (e.g. USB or CD) used to produce the electronic information will be assessed.
OBTAINING OR USING PERSONAL INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM A STATE AGENCY FOR COMMERCIAL SOLICITATION IS PROHIBITED PURSUANT TO S.C. CODE ANN. § 30-2-50. VIOLATORS ARE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.