Public Records Information

public records

The Massachusetts Public Records Law provides that every person has a right of access to public information. This right of access includes the right to inspect, copy or have copies of records provided.

The Secretary of State has published a guide that outlines the law and provides an FAQ and allowable exemptions: A Guide to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (PDF)

Making a Request
The RAO has up to 10 business days to provide a response to the request and is only required to provide records that are in existence. Under the updated Public Records Law, RAOs are required to provide public records in an electronic format, unless the record is not available electronically or the requester does not have the ability to receive or access electronic formats. While not required, it is advised that requests be in writing, and may be made in person, through the postal mail, by fax, or through electronic mail. A reasonable description of the document(s) requested should be provided to assist the RAO in identifying the requested documents.
 
Many property files are publicly available and may be accessed here:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Pd2LSciJjHVMX6X9Xs76sMRg32Gme6Yg
 
 
Town Records Access Officer
Frederic E. Turkington, Jr.
Town of Sharon
90 South Main Street
Sharon, MA 02067
781-784-1500 x1208
 
Police Department Records Access Officer
Chief Stephen Coffey
Sharon Police Department
213 South Main Street
Sharon, MA 02067
781-784-1587
 
School Department Records Access Officer
Dr. Meg Dussault, Assistant Superintendent
Sharon Public Schools
75 Mountain Street
Sharon, MA 02067
781-784-1570
 
Fees
Black and white copies/print-outs are $.05 per page for single and double-sided when electronic records are not available. Materials that are not susceptible to ordinary means of reproduction may be assessed the actual cost of reproduction. 
 
Time to prepare and compile documents:  $25 per hour of staff time for searching, compiling, segregating, redacting and reproducing may be assessed. The RAO will provide a good-faith estimate for the cost of complying with a request in advance.

 
What is a Public Record?
Every record that is made or received by a government entity or employee is presumed to be a public record unless a specific statutory exemption permits or requires it to be withheld in whole or in part. The Records Access Officer (RAO) must prove with specificity why certain records should be allowed to be withheld.
 
Examples

Many public records held and maintained by the Town are as follows: minutes from meetings, applications, submissions to boards and committees, town financial information, annual reports, town correspondence, bylaws, policies/regulations, business certificates, permits, licenses, and contracts. Much of this information resides on this website.