Every record that is made or received by a government entity or employee is presumed to be a public record unless a specific statutory exemption permits or requires it to be withheld in whole or in part.

Specific statutory exemptions have been created by the legislature. There are non-statutory exemptions as well called common law exemptions. Non-statutory exemptions include the common law attorney client privilege and the work product privilege. These exemptions permit the agency or municipality to withhold a record from the public. A records access officer (RAO) must prove with specificity why it should be allowed to withhold any public record. The exemptions to the Public Records Law are described in this guide. If an RAO claims an exemption and withholds a record, the RAO has the burden of showing how the exemption applies to the record and why it should be withheld.

Through this portal by clicking on a 'New Request' and registering yourself as a user. By registering as a user of this portal, you will be able to track progress your current and previous requests

You can also direct your request to the following address, email, or phone number.

Westford Town Offices

55 Main Street

Westford, MA 01886

Phone: (978)-692-5515

Email: townclerk@westfordma.gov

Absent a specifically identified statute or regulation, an RAO may charge no more than $0.05 per page for single and double-sided black and white paper copies or computer printouts. There is no longer a separate charge for police or fire reports, or for computer printouts.

The Public Records Law and its Regulations apply to all Massachusetts government records, regardless of form, and regardless of the location of the

records.

Provision of public records in electronic form is preferred where available. An RAO is not permitted to assess a copying fee for electronic records. The $0.05 fee applies only to paper copies of records.

An RAO may charge and recover a fee for the time spent searching, redacting, photocopying and refiling a record. Agencies shall not assess a fee for the first four hours of time spent searching for, compiling, segregating, redacting and reproducing a requested record. Municipalities with a population of over 20,000 shall not assess a fee for the first two hours of time spent searching for, compiling, segregating, redacting and reproducing a requested record. Municipalities with a population of 20,000 and under are permitted to charge for the first two hours of time spent searching for, compiling, segregating, redacting and reproducing a requested record. The hourly rate may not be greater than the prorated hourly wage of the lowest paid employee who is capable of performing the task. Generally, an RAO is not permitted to charge an hourly rate in excess of $25.00 per hour to search for records. Municipal RAOs may petition the Supervisor for permission to charge a fee in excess of $25.00.

A person seeking access to government records must obtain them from the government office that created or received the records.

The RAO must respond to requests without unreasonable delay and within ten business days. The RAO may offer to provide records; provide a fee

estimate, where applicable; or deny access to records in a manner consistent with G. L. c. 66, § 10(a-b).