It is the policy of City of Vassar that all persons, except those incarcerated, consistent with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees. The people shall be informed so that they fully participate in the democratic process. The  City’s  policy  with  respect  to  FOIA  requests  is  to  comply  with  State  law  in  all  respects  and  to  respond  to  FOIA requests in a consistent, fair, and even-handed manner regardless of who makes such a request.

The  City  acknowledges  that  it  has  a  legal  obligation  to  disclose  all  nonexempt  public  records  in  its  possession  pursuant  to  a  FOIA  request.    The  City acknowledges  that  sometimes  it  is  necessary  to  invoke  the  exemptions  identified  under  FOIA  in  order  to  ensure  the  effective  operation  of  government  and  to  protect  the  privacy  of  individuals.

The City of Vassar will protect the public's interest in disclosure, while balancing the requirement to withhold or redact portions of certain records.  The  City’s  policy  is  to  disclose  public  records  consistent  with  and  in  compliance with State law.

The City Council has established written procedures and guidelines to implement the FOIA and will create a written public summary of the specific procedures and guidelines relevant to the general public regarding how  to  submit  written  requests  to  the  public  body  and  explaining  how  to  understand  a  public  body's  written  responses,  deposit  requirements,  fee  calculations,  and  avenues  for  challenge  and  appeal.  The written public summary will be written in a manner so as to be easily understood by the general public.