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Contact: |
Kevin Balawick |
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Phone: |
339-5520 ext. 103 |
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Hours: |
Tuesday 6:00 - 8:00 PM and by appointment |
The Massachusetts Public Records Law (Law), found at Chapter 121 of the Massachusetts General Laws Acts of 2016 (updates to these guidelines will follow upon the promulgation of regulations), applies to records made or received by a Massachusetts governmental entity. Unless the requested records fall under an exemption to the Law, the responsive documents must be made available to the requester. A list of exemptions may be found at Chapter 4, Section 7(26) of the Massachusetts General Laws.
It is preferable to make the request in writing to reduce confusion. A copy of the written request is required to file an appeal with the Supervisor of Records.
Anyone may request records directly from the records custodian. The Law does not require any specific format for making a request, but the sample below may be helpful. It is recommended that your request contain the following information:
Date request mailed
Kevin Balawick, Records Access Officer
Town of Rowe
PO Box 462
Rowe, MA 01367
Re: Massachusetts Public Records Request
Dear Mr. Balawick:
This is a request under the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M. G. L. Chapter 121 of the Acts of 2016). I am requesting that I be provided a copy of the following records:
[Please include a detailed description of the information you are seeking.]
I recognize that you may charge reasonable costs for copies, as well as for personnel time needed to comply with this request. If you expect costs to exceed $10.00, please provide a detailed fee estimate.The Public Records Law requires you to provide me with a written response within 10 calendar days. If you cannot comply with my request, you are statutorily required to provide an explanation in writing.
Sincerely,
Your Name Contact Information (address, email, telephone)
For additional information about making a request or filing an appeal, see 950 CMR 32.08 (2) or refer to the publication, A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (PDF).
Town of Rowe Records Access Officer – Paul McLatchy III
PO Box 308
Rowe, MA 01367
