Any individual who wishes to submit a FOIA request must provide Bay County with “a written request that describes a public record sufficiently to enable the public body to find the public record…” MCL 15.233 (1). Please include all relevant details such as names, dates, locations and the department retaining the records, so that the FOIA Coordinator can find the requested record within a reasonable amount of time and with a reasonable amount of effort. If the scope of the request is too broad for County personnel to locate the requested records, the request may be denied or the individual will be presented with a request for a deposit.
A written request submitted electronically is not deemed received by a public body’s FOIA coordinator until one business day after the electronic transmission is made.
Unless you can prove that you qualify to make an indigency request, ALL request for records MUST include the following information, no matter what format is used to submit the request:
- Complete name of the person making the request
- Address of individual making request
- Valid telephone number or email address
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to Bay County may be submitted by any of the following means:
Online: FOIA Request Portal
(To ensure a prompt response, email requests should contain the term "FOIA" or "FOIA Request" in the subject line. Please be sure to include your contact information as indicated above.)
(If you choose this option, please call our office to guarantee receipt of the fax.)
This form is required when requesting a Motor Vehicle Crash Report (UD-10) within 30 days from the date it was filed with the Sheriff's Office. Please include the signed form with your FOIA request.
