Jacksonville Plans FOIA Clerk After 40 Percent Request Rise

Jacksonville moved Friday to address a sharp rise in public records requests by preparing to add a Freedom of Information Act clerk to city staff. Officials reported a 40 percent increase in FOIA requests compared with the same period in 2024, and Mayor Andy Ezard indicated the city would be hiring for the position after the City Council discussed staffing needs on November 28, 2025.

Police Chief Doug Thompson drafted the proposal for the new post and described how recent operational changes have expanded workload. The police department has added body worn cameras and in car video, which make responses more time consuming because footage often requires review and redaction before release. Thompson has overseen implementation of new software to accept and manage FOIA requests, and the police FOIA form is available through the department website. Four staff members have been trained on the new system, and the department has encouraged residents to use the online form because the cloud based workflow eases video processing and redaction work.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, any member of the public may request records, emails, video and other government materials unless those records are exempt. City officials said FOIA timelines and redaction requirements can extend staff workload, making dedicated capacity necessary to meet legal obligations and community expectations for timely responses.

For Jacksonville residents the likely hire carries practical implications. A dedicated clerk could shorten wait times for records that affect public safety oversight, local government transparency, and individual information needs. It may also shift budget priorities as the city considers the costs of staffing, training and technology required to handle larger and more complex requests.

City Council members weighed the staffing proposal at their November 28 meeting, with further decisions expected as the administration finalizes job details and cost estimates. Until then residents are advised to use the online FOIA form on the police department website to help streamline processing of records requests.