Garner and other governments lack required public index of databases
January 15, 2010
The Garner Citizen made a public records request from more than two dozen municipalities seeking public indices of their databases. Garner staff spent more than 50 hours compiling the information over a month-long period and still were working to collect everything. The request was to check compliance with a 1997 law (G.S. 132-6.1) that requires "every public agency" to maintain a public record of databases with "a list of the data fields; a description of the format or record layout; information as to the frequency with which the database is updated; a list of any data fields to which public access is restricted; a description of each form in which the database can be copied or reproduced using the agency’s computer facilities; and a schedule of fees for the production of copies in each available form."