The Macon County Conservation District will disclose public records as required by the Freedom of Information Act. The District can deny a request for records that are specifically exempt from coverage under the Act, including information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or a compromise of security.

The Macon County Conservation District appointed FOIA Officers are the Executive Director, Operations Manager and Office Manager. Their responsibilities include receiving information requests from the public and sending responses in compliance with FOIA.

Within five business days after the date the District receives the request, one of the designated FOIA officers reviews and responds to the request. Beyond the five business days, the FOIA Officer can extend the response time for no more than five additional business days. Requests made for commercial purposes can be extended for no more than twenty-one additional business days. The time period can only be extended for the following reasons: if the requested information is stored at a different locations, requires the collection of a substantial number of documents or an extensive search, has not been located, needs to be reviewed further by staff to determine whether they are exempt from FOIA, cannot be produced without unduly burdening the public body or interfering with its operations or requires the public body to consult with another public body that has substantial interest in the requested subject matter or both parties agree in writing to an extension specifying when the request will be filed.

To review a record, a person must submit in writing via personal delivery, mail, or e-mail. The requestor must clearly state if the request is going to be used for commercial purposes (for the sale, resale or solicitation or advertisements for sales or services).

Download the FOIA Request Form here.

Requests can be submitted via the following means:
Drop-off or mail:

Macon County Conservation District
FOIA Request
3939 Nearing Lane
Decatur, IL 62521

E-Mail:
mccd@maconcountyconservation.org

All requests must be submitted in writing to the attention of the Freedom of Information Act Officer. Applicants may use the Macon County Conservation District FOIA Request Form or may submit their own written request for records. Applicants choosing not to use the provided form must provide their full name, currents address, phone number, a detailed account of the documents they are requesting and whether or not they are requesting the documents for commercial use.

The conservation district provides duplicate copies at no cost for the first fifty pages, in black and white letter or legal size, and additional pages for $0.15 per page. For color and/or abnormally sized copies, the conservation district charges the requestor the actual cost for making the copies. Information may also be provided in an electronic format if requested.

Pursuant to the fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional form of government, it is declared to be the public policy of the State of Illinois that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees consistent with the terms of this Act. Such access is necessary to enable the people to fully and freely discuss public issues, make informed political judgments, and monitor the government to ensure that it is being conducted in the public interest.

FOIA allows members of the public to access public records to promote government transparency and accountability. The principal mandate of the Act provides that upon submission of a request, each public body shall make available to any person for inspection or copying any requested records that are subject to disclosure under the Act. Not all records are subject to disclosure. The Act provides a number of exemptions. Additional information regarding FOIA can be found on the Illinois Attorney General’s website or the Illinois General Assembly for the general provision of the (5 ILCS 140/) Freedom of Information Act.

In compliance with Public Act 97-609, the total compensation package for any employee who receives over $75,000 per year is available for public review at the Macon County Conservation District Business Office, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday except holidays.