Transparency
FOIA requests
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act gives you the right to see most Village records. Here's how to ask, what to expect, and how long it takes.
What you can request
Almost any record the Village keeps is open to the public. Common requests include:
- Contracts, invoices, and payment records
- Meeting agendas, minutes, and packets
- Permits, inspection reports, and code records
- Emails and letters about Village business
- Budgets, audits, and financial reports
How to file a request
- Write down what you want as clearly as you can — dates, addresses, and names help us find it fast.
- Send your request to the FOIA Officer at Village Hall by email, mail, or in person.
- We'll confirm we got it and let you know if there's a copying fee for large requests.
- You'll get the records, or a written reason why something is exempt, within the legal timeline.
How long it takes
By law the Village answers most requests within five business days. We can take up to five more days for large or complex requests, and we'll tell you if that happens. The first 50 pages of black-and-white copies are free.
Not every record is public. The law protects things like personal medical and student information, certain personnel files, and some security details. We'll always explain in writing if anything is held back.