Public Records FAQs

Public Records requests may be used to obtain "agency records," which include a wide variety of documents and other materials (including print, photographic, and electronic formats) that were created or obtained by a city agency and are, at the time the request is filed, in the City's possession and control. The Public Records Act excludes certain categories of records from disclosure.

Many public records are currently available on the City’s website at no cost. Examples include the Comprehensive Plan, budget, City Council meetings, Mercer Island City Code, and other reports.
 

Fee schedule - the City charges the following for copies of records:

1. There is no fee for inspecting public records. 
2. Photocopies - per page - $0.15
3. Printed copies of electronic records, per page - $0.15
4. Scanning paper records, per page - $0.10
5. Electronic files or attachments uploaded for electronic delivery (email, cloud‐ based data storage service, or other means of electronic delivery), for each four (4) files - $0.05
6. Transmission of records in an electronic format or for the use of agency equipment to send the records electronically, per gigabyte (GB) - $0.10
7. Any digital storage media or device provided by the agency - Actual Cost
8. Postage for mailing shipping container - Actual Cost
9. Other media (color, electronic and/or information provided on a disk or CD-ROM) - Actual Cost

For large requests, the City may:

• Require a deposit of up to ten percent of estimated cost 
• Provide records in installments
• Require advance payment before providing further installments.

There is no single index of City records. The City of Mercer Island has determined by formal order that maintaining a central index of City records is unduly burdensome, costly, and would interfere with City operations due to the number and complexity of records generated as a result of the wide range of City activities.