
Freedom of Information
The New York State Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law, Article 6) is the principal statute regarding the public access of local government records. The records access officer (Town Clerk) is responsible for appropriate response to requests for public access to records.
How to Submit a FOIL Request:
An individual may submit a request for access of records under FOIL by submitting such request in writing. Please be as specific as possible in describing the items in which you are interested. Email requests are accepted, however FOIL Request should be in the subject line. There is not a formal FOIL request form for this process. Upon receipt of the request, the records access officer will respond within 5 business days with an acknowledgement that the request was received and is being processed.
Some documents may be found electronically on this webpage. If you do not find the information you would like here, please email or mail a written FOIL request letter to:
Susan Thompson, Town Clerk
Town of Willsboro
5 Farrell Road
PO Box 370
Willsboro, NY 12996
Why a FOIL Request might be denied:
Certain records or portions thereof are excepted from disclosure under authority of Public Officers Law Section 87.2 (a-1). These records include those which:
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Are specifically exempted from disclosure under state or federal statute
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If disclosed, would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
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If disclosed, would impair present or imminent contract awards or collective bargaining negotiations
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Are trade secrets or are submitted to the agency or are derived from information obtained from a commercial enterprise and which, if disclosed, would cause substantial injury to the competitive position of the subject enterprise
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Are compiled for law enforcement purposes and which if disclosed would interfere with law enforcement investigations or judicial proceedings, deprive a person of the right to a fair trial or impartial adjudication, identify a confidential source, or disclose confidential information regarding a criminal investigation, or reveal criminal investigative techniques or procedures, except routine techniques and procedures
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If disclosed would endanger the life or safety of any person
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Are inter-agency or intra-agency materials which are not statistical or factual tabulations or data, instructions to staff which affect the public or are final agency policies or determinations, are external audits, including audits performed by the comptroller and the federal government computer codes
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Are examination questions or answers which are requested prior to the final administration of such questions
A denial of access must be in writing, stating the reason for denial and advising your right to an appeal.
How to Appeal When You've Been Denied Access
If you've been denied access by the Records Access Office, you will be notified by them in writing. You have a right to appeal, but you must do so within 30 days. An appeal must be filed in writing and mailed to:
Shaun Gillilland, Town Supervisor
Town of Willsboro
5 Farrell Road
PO Box 370
Willsboro, NY 12996
You can also fax a request to 518-963-7488
FOIL Fee Schedule:
There is a charge of $0.25 per page for copies, not in excess of 11 by 17 inches. A fee for copy of other records will be charged based upon the actual cost of reproduction.