This is why we should, from time to time, be grateful that we live in Kentucky.
A reporter in Colorado recently received a cost estimate of $250,000 for records of the state archeologist. His video reaction is not surprising!
That is, until the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition reminded the reporter of a colleague who received a cost estimate of $1,072,200 to fill a Colorado public records request.
"Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition (@CoFOIC)
10/15/19, 3:48 PM
I believe your â¦âª@9NEWSâ¬â© colleague, â¦âª@writerkevâ¬â©, still holds the record - one MILLION dollars ($1,072,200 to be exact) to process a records request he made at the Rocky Mountain News."
Now that's a Rocky Mountain high!!
Our reasonable fee provision capping copying charges at the agency's actual costs of reproduction, *excluding* staff costs, relieves requesters of cost estimate sticker shock and promotes access. And if the fee seems excessive, a records requester can appeal it to the attorney general or the courts.
It's a provision of our law that is well worth protecting and preserving.
