To: Gary L. Goetzinger, Finance Committee Chairperson
From: Joshua Freeman, Director of Administration
title
RE: Approval of a request to create, post & fill one (1) additional FOIA Specialist position within the Office of the Board of Commissioners
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a request to create, post & hire an additional FOIA Specialist position in the Office of the Board of Commissioners.
BACKGROUND:
The Board hired a dedicated FOIA Specialist to exclusively handle all FOIA requests for the County. Previously, that work was performed by Corporation Counsel. During that time, the average yearly FOIA request was around 800. Once a dedicated specialist was hired, we streamlined the FOIA process through the utilization of FOIA specific software. While this initially improved the process, the number of incoming requests increased significantly. YTD, we have received over 2,130 requests in the system. This dramatic increase has caused delays in providing required information. Initially, we hoped that the number of requests would level off, but that has not been the case. In addition to the increase, the complexity of the requests has also changed. Video, and the requirement to review that video, is a time intensive process that further delays response times.
DISCUSSION:
As discussed above, it is critical that we add another specialist to review FOIA. By splitting this work in half, we’ll be able to timely answer requests and reduce the risk of litigation because of untimely responses. FOIA is a statutory requirement and failure to respond and provide the requested information will harm the County.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
Normal hiring/onboarding.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Each year, for the last 3 years, the Board of Commissioners has set aside $500,000 for economic development purposes. Each year, that money has largely been unspent. It is my intention to use $98,238 of that appropriation for this new position. Even with the expect...
Click here for full text