FOIA and OMA
Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is intended to open the government to all citizens by guaranteeing access to governmental records in whatever form they are maintained. FOIA maintains a clear preference for access to public document while still protecting legitimate government interest and the privacy rights of individual citizens.
If you have question, or to obtain a FOIA request form, please contact the City Clerk’s office or complete the below form and return it to the Clerk’s Office at 301 West Madison Street, Ottawa, IL 61350. For information concerning the City’s rules and regulation regarding FOIA request, please contact the City Clerk’s office.
Open Meetings Act
To ensure open and honest government, the Illinois Open Meeting Act states that “It is the public policy of this State that public bodies exist to aid the conduct of the people’s business and that the people have the right to be informed as to the conduct of their business”. The Open Meetings Act is intended to ensure that the actions of public bodies be taken openly and that their deliberation be conducted openly.
In compliance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act, the City post times, dates, and location of all public meetings of the City Council and advisory boards and commissions. Information on all meetings can be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s Office.