As defined by Tennessee Code Annotated Section 10-7-503(a)(1) means all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, microfilms, electronic data processing files and output, films, sound recordings or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any governmental agency.
The City of Athens is dedicated to providing public access of records to any citizen of Tennessee, while continuing to protect the integrity and organization of public records. Requests for these documents are often referred to as public records requests, open records requests or FOIA (Freedom of Information Act). (In Tennessee, these records are called public records requests.) Athens has a centralized approach to efficiently fulfill public records. The City of Athens utilizes the most “economical and efficient method of producing” those records.
Residents who wish to obtain copies of records will need to complete the Public Records Request Form and submit it to our Public Records Request Coordinator. While residents who wish to view records are not required to complete a Public Records Request Form, we urge all requests be made using this form. Proof of Tennessee citizenship by presentation of a valid Tennessee driver's license or alternative acceptable form of ID is required as a condition to inspect or receive copies of public records.
CHARGES
There is no charge to view records.
Copies of records will be subject to the following charges:
| Print Type (8-1/2” x 11” or 8-1/2” x 14”) | Cost |
| Black and White Copy | $0.15 per page |
| Color Copy | $0.50 per page |
LABOR
If staff time exceeds the labor threshold of one (1) hour to produce the requested material, the requester is subject to be charged the hourly wage of the employee who is assisting with the record request beyond the first hour.
The City of Athens will aggregate record requests in accordance with the Frequent and Multiple Request Policy promulgated by the Office of Open Records Counsel when more than four (4) requests are received within a calendar month.
The City of Athens will aggregate record requests in accordance with the Frequent and Multiple Request Policy promulgated by the Office of Open Records Counsel when more than four (4) requests are received within a calendar month.
For information or questions regarding public records requests, please do not hesitate to contact the Public Records Request Coordinator at (423) 744-2798 or email publicrecords@athenstn.gov.
Forms should be submitted either in person or by mail at 815 North Jackson Street, Athens, TN 37303 or by email at publicrecords@athenstn.gov.
