The Village of Cary adheres to the statutes set forth by the State of Illinois Attorney General's Office as it pertains to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILCS 140/1. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state law that provides for a method for the public to gain access to government records. Any person who wishes to inspect and/or obtain copies of public records from the Village of Cary shall follow the rules below, in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. 

Freedom of Information Request Types

Non-Commercial Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests

The Village will respond to each written non-commercial request to inspect, copy, or certify public records within five business days after it is received, unless an extension of time is determined necessary. The first business day is considered the day after the Village receives a FOIA request. Records will be made available for inspection and reproduction unless the records are specifically exempt under the Freedom of Information Act. The Village of Cary will require full payment of fees, if any, prior to the disbursement of the request for non-commercial purposes. 

Commercial Freedom of Information (FOIA) Requests

A request for commercial purpose is defined as the use of any part of a public record or records or information derived from public records in any form for sale, resale or solicitation or advertisement for sales or services. The Village will respond to each written request made for commercial purposes within twenty-one (21) business days after it is received. Records will be made available for inspection and reproduction unless the records are specifically exempt under the Freedom of Information Act. Accordingly, if your request is for a commercial purpose, please indicate that it is for a commercial purpose as required under the Act. The Village will require full payment of fees, if any, prior to the disbursement of the request for commercial purposes.

How to Request Information and Public Records

A standard online form is available for individuals to utilize. While not required, it is helpful if the specific type of records requested are stated on the form, including addresses and date/time frames.

Residents may also utilize the FOIA form (PDF) in order to mail or fax their request for Village records. Forms are also available at the Municipal Center. The form is not required in order for a FOIA request to be completed, however, the Village does require that all information requests be submitted in writing. Completed FOIA requests should be submitted to the Cary Municipal Center.

Applicable fees for copies, certification, or mailing of public records must be paid prior to receiving the requested documents. There is no fee for up to the first 50 pages of standard paper copies. For pages beyond 50 copies, there is a $0.15 per page charge. Oversized copies are charged the same price to reproduce them.