FOIA Request

Pursuant to Governor Whitmer's Executive Order 2020-77, Bay County Governmental offices are closed and access to physical files or certain databases for records are not available to FOIA Coordinators working remotely. FOIA staff will continue to respond to requests for public records as expeditiously as possible and, to the extent practicable, by using electronic means.  We appreciate your patience and understanding as we anticipate delays in processing your FOIA request during this time.

Your request must sufficiently describe the requested public record with relevant details such as names, dates, and department retaining the records, so that the FOIA Coordinator can find the requested record within a reasonable amount of time and with a reasonable amount of effort. Requests must also include the requestor’s full name, valid mailing address and phone number or email address. Additional identifying information may be requested in order to complete a search for the requested records. A written request submitted electronically is not deemed received by a public body’s FOIA coordinator until one business day after the electronic transmission is made. Please try to avoid “any and all.” A request must “describe the public records sufficiently to enable the public body to find the public records…” MSA4.1801(3). If the scope of your request is too broad for County personnel to locate the requested records, your request may be denied or you will be presented with a request for a deposit.

Court Records Requests

Courts are not subject to FOIA. Public documents that have been filed in a case are not subject to FOIA and should not be requested through FOIA. Requests for Court records need to be made at the Bay County Court Facility located at 1230 Washington Avenue, Bay City, Michigan, 48708.

Electronic Request Form

Please note: Unless otherwise noted in the request field, responses will be sent to the email address provided with your submission.