Charges for Public Records Requests

In Vermont, town clerks can charge the actual cost of copying and for large requests taking over 30 minutes, they can charge staff time for searching and redacting.

Specific statutory fees apply for land records $1 per page and certified copies ($10 per page).

Key Charges for Large Public Record Requests:

• Copying Costs: Towns can charge the "actual cost" of providing copies.

• Staff Time: If fulfilling the request takes more than 30 minutes, the town may charge for the time spent locating, reviewing, and redacting records.

• Land Records: Many Vermont town clerks charge $1 per page for copies of land records, even if photographed by the user.

• Certified Copies: Statutory fees for certified copies are higher, often $10 per page.

• Electronic Records: If scanning paper records, the town can charge the same rate as paper copies.

• Prepayment: Town clerks may require fees to be paid in advance.

Important Distinctions:

• Inspection is Free: You cannot be charged for merely looking at records in person (inspection), only for copies.

• Postage: Costs for mailing records can be charged.

• Only records already on hand are subject to requests. Staff does not have to make up a document specifically and/or tailored to one’s request.