Public Information Request

The Village of German Valley provides the following ways for you to submit your public information request.

Hand Delivery, Mail, Fax, or Email

Illinois municipalities cannot require that the public submit FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests on a specific form or in a specific format. You may request a form from our village office and then hand deliver, mail, fax, email, or use other means available to the public body, your FOIA request.

Written Form

In Illinois, no specific form is required. FOIA requests must be submitted in writing.

How to Submit a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Request in Illinois

1. Provide Contact Information: Include your contact information, including an email address if possible, to facilitate a prompt response.
2. Identify the Public Body: Determine which public body holds the records you are seeking.
3. Contact the FOIA Officer: Locate the FOIA officer for that public body.
4. Submit a Written Request: Clearly describe the records you are requesting in your written request. 
5. Specify the Format: Indicate the format in which you wish to receive the records (e.g., printed or electronic). 
 

Good to Know About FOIA

•Please note that for a public information request to be valid, it must be submitted in writing. 
•Be Aware of Exemptions: Be aware of potential exemptions that may apply to the records you are requesting. 
•Be Aware of Fees: Be aware of potential fees that may apply to the records you are requesting.
•Fees: No fees shall be charged for the first 50 pages of black and white, letter or legal sized copies requested by the requester. The fee for black and white, letter or legal sized copies shall not exceed 15 cents per page. 
•The FOIA does not require the Village of German Valley to create new records, analyze data, or answer questions in response to requests.