Public Records Request

The Texas Public Information Act ("Act"), Chapter 552, Texas Government Code, gives you the right to request access to government information. The Act is triggered when a person submits a written request to a governmental body. The request must ask for documents or other information that is already in existence. The Act does not require a governmental body to answer questions, perform legal research, create new information, or comply with a continuing request to supply information on a periodic basis as such information is prepared in the future.

How to Request Public Information

The City Council passed Resolution 2023-02 Designating the Methods for making written Requests for Public Information.

  • A request may be submitted using JustFOIA (electronic request system),
  • Sent by mail to the City Secretary's Office, 502 Elm Street, Sanger, Texas 76266,
  • Sent using one email address - citysecretary@sangertexas.org,
  • Delivered in person during business hours to the City Secretary's Office, 502 Elm Street, Sanger, Texas 76266.

Online Requests

The City of Sanger is using JustFOIA, to process Requests for Public Information Act requests. You will receive an email from JustFOIA with a request number and security key to access your request. (you may need to check your junk/spam folder for the automated email). All correspondence and the release of any responsive documents, if any, will be sent and received through the system.

Submission Tips

You may ask to inspect information, get copies of information, or both.

Make your request as clear and specific as possible, including a date range, so that the City can accurately identify and locate the items that you are requesting. If your request is unclear or very broad, the City may ask you to clarify or narrow your request.

The City of Sanger has received a Previous Determination letter (Open Records Letter No. 2023-14001) from the Texas Attorney General regarding information subject to Government Code Section 552.108(a)(1), which deals with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime and the release of the records would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of an open or pending criminal matter.  Additional information regarding a 108 Previous Determination can be found on the Texas Attorney General's website. Please note if the City seeks an opinion from the Texas Attorney General to withhold law enforcement information from a pending law enforcement investigation, it can take up to 45 days to receive an Attorney General's Opinion.

The City of Sanger contracts with Denton County for Dispatch Services.  Any requests for 911 Calls-Audio should be requested from Denton County directly.

Accident / Crash Reports

An Accident/Crash Report can be obtained and paid for on the Texas Department of Transportation website. Please allow at least 10 days from the date of the accident to locate your accident report.

Local Area Jail & Arrest Records

Basic information can be obtained by searching the following websites:

Charges for Information

  • If your request is for copies of information, then the City may charge for the copies.
  • If your request is only for an opportunity to inspect information, then normally the City may not charge you. Under limited circumstances, however, the City may impose a charge for access to information.
  • If your request to produce information will result in a charge of over $40, the City will provide you with a written itemized statement that details all estimated charges that will be imposed. You must respond to this written estimate of charges within 10 business days or your request will be considered withdrawn.
  • If your request to produce the information will result in a charge of over $100, the City may require a bond, prepayment, or deposit before any work will begin.

All charges imposed for copies of, or access to information will comply with Chapter 70 of the Administrative Code.

Exceptions to the Act

The City believes in open government and strives to fulfill all open records requests. Although most government information is available to you, some exceptions exist. If an exception might apply and the City wishes to withhold the information, then the City generally must refer the matter to the Office of the Attorney General for a ruling on whether an exception applies. If the Office of the Attorney General rules that an exception applies, the City will not release the information. You may find information about mandatory and discretionary exceptions on the Attorney General's website.

Rights of Requestors

You have the right to:

  • Receive equal treatment with all other requestors.
  • Receive requested information "promptly." "Promptly" means that a governmental body may take a reasonable amount of time to produce the information, which varies depending on the facts in each case. The amount of information you have requested is highly relevant to what makes for a reasonable response time.
  • If the City cannot produce the requested information within ten business days, you will receive correspondence setting a date and time when the information will be available to you.
  • Receive a statement of estimated charges when charges exceed $40 in advance of work being started.
  • Choose whether to inspect the requested information, receive copies of the requested information, or both.
  • Be notified when the City asks the Office of the Attorney General for a ruling on whether the information may or must be withheld from disclosure.
  • Lodge a complaint about charges for public records with the Texas Building and Procurement Commission.
  • Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General Hotline or the county attorney or criminal district attorney regarding any alleged violation of the Act.

You can find additional Public Information Act resources on the Office of the Attorney General's website.

Contact the Attorney General via the Open Government Hotline at 512-478-6736, or call toll-free at 877-673-6839.

Documents

  1. Open Records Request (PDF)