FOIA Officer Contact Information


It is the public policy of this State that public bodies exist to aid in the conduct of the people’s business and that the people have a right to be informed as to the conduct of their business.
- Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/1.

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 fulfill their duties of discussing public issues fully and freely, making informed political judgments and monitoring government to ensure that it is being conducted in the public interest.
- Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1.

Palos Township strives to achieve an open, honest and accountable government. It is our belief that this can best be achieved only through the free and open exchange of information between the Township and the public.

Most of the information of interest to the public is posted on our website and does not require and FOIA request to be filed. However, if there is something else of interest that cannot be found on our web site, the public has the right to request copies of such documentation through the FOIA process.

How to Request Information under the Freedom of Information Act

Please make your request for records is in writing. Palos Township does not require the completion of a standard form for this purpose, however, if you wish to use our form, you may download it here. You may submit your written request by mail, fax or e-mail.

Please direct your request to:

FOIA Officer - Jane Nolan
Township of Palos
10802 S. Roberts Rd.
Palos Hills, IL 60465
Fax: (708) 598-4473
E-mail: clerk@palostownship.org

Please be as specific as possible when describing the records you are seeking. Remember, the Freedom of Information Act is designed to allow you to inspect or receive copies of records. It is not designed to require a public body to answer questions. 

To the extent that you wish to ask questions of a representative of the Township, you may call our office at (708) 598-4418 and we can assist you in finding answers to your questions.

Please tell us whether you would like copies of the requested records, or whether you wish to examine the records in person. You have the right to either option.

There is no fee for up to 50 pages of standard paper copies. For pages beyond 50, there is a .25-cent-per-page charge.

You are permitted to ask for a waiver of copying fees. To do so, please include the following statement (or a similar statement) in your written FOIA request: 

“I request a waiver of all fees associated with this request.”  

In addition, you must include a specific explanation as to why your request for information is in the public interest—not simply your personal interest—and merits a fee waiver.

Please include your name, preferred telephone number(s), mailing address, and, if you wish, your electronic mail address.