How much can a public governmental body charge for producing copies of public records, and can the records custodian require the person requesting the record to make copies?
The amount to be charged for copies depends on the types of records to be produced and the time and expenses associated with the duplication. For paper copies that are 9 by 14 inches and smaller, the custodian may charge up to 10 cents per page. In addition, the custodian may charge for time spent duplicating the records and for research time spent fulfilling the request. The charges for time spent on duplication cannot exceed the average hourly rate of pay for clerical staff, and the charges for research cannot exceed the actual cost of research time (Section 610.026.1(1)). For all other types of records, including paper larger than 9 by 14 inches, tapes, disks, pictures, maps and slides, the custodian may charge for the cost of the materials used for duplication and staff time, which cannot exceed the average rate of pay for the body’s staff. Fees for maps, blueprints or plats requiring special expertise to duplicate may include the actual rate of pay for the trained personnel making
