(a) Each public governmental body may prescribe reasonable fees for providing access to or furnishing copies of public records subject to the following:

    (1)    Fees for copying public records shall not exceed the actual cost of document search and duplication. Documents may be furnished without charge or at a reduced charge when the public governmental body determines that waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the public governmental body and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.

    (2)    Fees for providing access to public records maintained on computer facilities, recording tapes or discs, video tapes or films, pictures, slides, graphics, illustrations or similar audio or visual items or devices, shall include only the cost of copies and staff time required for making copies.

    (b) Payment of such copying fees may be requested prior to the making of copies.

(Ord. No. 1164, § 1, 9-21-87)

     Note--See the editor's note at § 2-23.