Agency contacted: Macon-Bibb Industrial Authority

Records that were requested: A copy of the contract with the Miner Agency to provide public relations assistance.

When do you first hear back from the agency? I filed the request on Oct. 13 and heard back from the agency that same day.

Did agency request a fee? This agency did not request a fee because the time expended fulfilling this request was under one quarter hour. The agency did not that should I follow up or ask for further requests, MBCIA reserves the right to charge fees.

Describe the response. There was no written contract for professional services between MBCIA and The Miner Agency. However, the Industrial Authority noted that “In a good faith effort to be responsive to your Request, MBCIA utilizes The Miner Agency generally” and they provided a copy of a Jan. 28, 2021 proposal for  Consulting and Marketing Management Services.

Assign a grade for contact/process : A, the agency does use an online portal and has a clearly defined process/ contact on its website for requesting public records, specifically including contact emails in their staff section.

Assign a grade for response: A, While they did not have a contract, the agency did provide a proposal from the same company within the three-day window.

Anything else to note? No

See the full report card here.

Grading scale for agency’s ease of contacting agency staff and finding or filing for public records.

A: Agency uses an online portal or has a clearly defined process or contact on its website for requesting public records. An “A” agency may also provide the most commonly requested records on its website already such as agendas and meeting minutes.

B: Agency has some public information online such as meeting agendas or meeting times but additional information on how to request public information is not available.

C: Agency website has contact information for staff but nothing specific about how to request public information.

D: Agency has limited contact information on its website but it is not clearly labeled and/or easily accessible.

F: Agency contact information or how to get public records is not available on the website 

Grade scale for agency’s overall responsiveness and compliance with open records law

A: Provided records within the three-day window or less

B Acknowledgment of request within the three-day requirement but records were provided after three days.

C:  Acknowledged the request but then put forth a long timetable for response or requested a high fee or retrieval price for what should be a digital record and/or PDF that could be emailed.

D: Acknowledged the request but no further information or follow-up.

F:  No response