In the case of Wilhelm v. Jerusalem Twp. Zoning, 2020-Ohio-5283, the Court of Claims of Ohio held that a township was not required to respond to questions from a requester if they do not relate to specific documentation when the township already provided all requested documentation.
The public record requestor asserted that the township denied access to public records regarding zoning decisions and failed to provide all the documentation to answer her questions.
The township asserted it provided all the documents in its possession and that some of the requested documents did not exist. The township further claimed that the requestor’s questions did not relate to any specific documentation. The Court agreed with the Township.
The Court held that the Township was not required to respond to questions unrelated to specific documents and that Township had turned over all requested documentation in its possession.
To read this case, click here.
Authors: Matthew John Markling and the McGown & Markling Team.
Note: This blog entry does not constitute – nor does it contain – legal advice. Legal jurisprudence is like the always-changing Midwestern weather. As a result, this single blog entry cannot substitute for consultation with a McGown & Markling attorney. If legal advice is needed with respect to a specific factual situation, please feel free to contact a McGown & Markling attorney.