According to RSA 91-A:4 IV,"If a computer, photocopying machine, or other device maintained for use by a public body or agency is used by the public body or agency to copy the governmental record requested, the person requesting the copy may be charged the actual cost of providing the copy, which cost may be collected by the public body or agency." Currently, the Town of Ashland charges $1.00 per page for copies of public documents. This means that the cost of obtaining public documents, especially multi-page documents, may be prohibitive to some citizens and restrict their right to know public information.
The town should determine its current cost per page for duplicating and charge the actual rate. The town should also post all public documents on the town website. Provisions should be made for this now while the town website is being redesigned.
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