Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request

The Freedom of Information Act establishes a citizen's legal right to access government records and information upon request. Citizens may submit requests for Meridian Township public records in person, by mail, or through our JustFOIA online request portal.

The Clerk's Office follows specific guidelines when responding to FOIA requests. The Township Clerk is the FOIA Coordinator.  

All FOIA requests for records must be submitted in person, by mail, or through our JustFOIA online request portal. The FOIA statute allows the Township 5 working days to respond to a FOIA request. An extension of an additional 10 days is allowed under the statute, including if the request requires the Township to search for, collect, examine, or review a voluminous amount of separate and distinct public records, or to collect the public records from numerous offices, facilities, or establishments.

FAQs

Any citizen who wants to examine, read, or review a public document may do so by initiating a FOIA Request for Public Records. There are several ways to do this:

  • Complete a Meridian Township FOIA Request for Public Records online at JustFOIA.
  • Write your request and submit via a letter or fax, and reference FOIA on the envelope or on the fax cover page.
  • In-person at the Clerk's Office.

The Meridian Township FOIA Procedures and Guidelines provide detailed instructions on all aspects of submitting a FOIA Request for Public Records, including how to understand the Township’s written responses, deposit requirements, fee calculations, and avenues for challenges and appeals.  A Summary of FOIA Procedures and Guidelines is also available, highlighting key information. If any citizen has questions regarding FOIA and accessing public records, please contact:  

Meridian Township’s FOIA Coordinator: 
Angela Demas, Township Clerk
517.853.4304

In 1976, Michigan adopted the “Sunshine Laws,” which were intended to open up all aspects of government to its citizens, literally shining light in the dark recesses of government operations and policy-making. Two major legislative acts comprised these sunshine laws: The Open Meetings Act, which requires government officials and public bodies to conduct meetings in public, and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which allows citizens access to public records.

As stated in the Meridian Township Preamble to the Township’s FOIA Procedures and Guidelines:

“It is the policy of Meridian Township that all persons, consistent with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees. The people shall be informed so that they fully participate in the democratic process.

The Township’s policy with respect to FOIA requests is to comply with State law in all respects and to respond to FOIA requests in a consistent, fair, and even-handed manner regardless of who makes such a request.”

FOIA Appeals can be directed to Meridian Township Clerk Angela Demas at demas@meridian.mi.us or 517.853.4304.

FOIA Documents

Staff

Angela Demas
Township Clerk
demas@meridian.mi.us
517.853.4304

Vacant
Deputy Clerk/Election Administrator

Stephaney Keroson
Administrative Assistant II
guild@meridian.mi.us
517.853.4328

Vacant
Records Technician III