Requesting Public Records & Information
This page is designed to provide visitors instructions on how to gain access to publicly available information that is collected and/or maintained by the City of Abernathy. The City’s public information is made available through the Public Information Act (the “Act”) (Chapter 552 of the Local Government Code), which generally provides that:
- Any person has the right to request access to government records or information.
- All entities defined as a “governmental body” in Section 552.003 (1) (A) are subject to the Act.
- Certain information is protected from disclosure by the exceptions in the Act or other law, either constitutional, statutory, or by judicial decision.
Please note: You will find that a large amount of information is available throughout the City’s website without making a public information request and/or incurring costs; however, you may always submit a public information request to the City.
Making a Request
All Public Information requests must be submitted in writing. A written request should reasonably identify the records needed and should indicate a mailing address, phone number, or other means to contact you regarding your request. There is not a specific form required for submitting requests.
Send the request to:
d.provost@cityofabernathy.orgHelpful Suggestions for Making a Public Information Request
These are a few tips to assist the City in processing a request as accurately and efficiently as possible:
- Your request must be in writing; only written requests trigger obligations under the Act.
- Include your full name and contact information, including e-mail address (if available). It is helpful to clearly label your correspondence as a “Public Information Request”.
- Be specific and clear in describing the nature and scope of the information you are seeking.
- Your request should be for information that is already in existence.
- Governmental bodies are not required to answer questions, perform legal research, or comply with a continuing request to supply information on a periodic basis as such information is prepared in the future.
- We recommend that all requests be addressed to the City Manager. Requests made by fax or electronic mail (e-mail) must be sent to the fax numbers and e-mail address designated above in order to trigger an obligation under the Act.
- If you believe the City of Abernathy has not responded as required by the Act, contact the City Manager immediately.
Charges for Public Information
Under Section 552.262(a), the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is required to adopt rules to be used by governmental bodies in determining charges for providing copies of public information or making paper records available for public inspection. These rules are in Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70 of the Texas Administrative Code. The City of Abernathy adheres to these cost rules. If producing the responsive information will incur a cost of $40.00 or more, the City will provide the requestor an itemized cost estimate and a date when information will be available. All cost estimates will inform the requestor if there is a less costly way for the requestor to access the requested information.
Where estimated costs exceed $100, the requestor will be required to make a deposit before any records are copied.
Note: Report issued in response to requirements of Texas Government Code, Section 552.274(c).
Public Information Complaints
The City of Abernathy makes every effort to process a public information request properly. We request you inform us of any concerns you have regarding the processing of a request so that we may have the opportunity to address and resolve them as quickly as possible.
Requestors have the right to file a formal complaint with the Office of the Attorney General regarding overcharges for copies of public information by contacting the OAG Cost Rules Administrator by calling (512) 475-2497 or faxing (512) 481-1992. If you have a complaint regarding TEA compliance with the Act, please contact OAG Open Records Division Hotline by phone at (512) 478-6736 or toll-free (877) 673-6839, or the Hale County District Attorney.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about a request or our procedures, please contact us.
