Public Information
General Information
State and Federal laws allow individuals as well as private companies and government organizations to request for review or copy government documents of a public nature. The District is committed to providing as much public content as possible while safeguarding protected confidential information. This web page was created to furnish information concerning the Public Information Act. Included are web and archive available information and how to find it; how to request documents; FAQ's; District Policy, State Laws, and handbooks. If you cannot find the information you seek on this or related web pages you are welcome to contact the Public Information Officer via the methods listed below.
How do I obtain public information?
A requestor may send a request by US Mail, e-mail, fax or deliver it in person.
| By US Mail: |
Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District
Attn: Public Information Officer
16318 Great Oaks Dr
Round Rock, Texas 78681 |
| In Person: |
Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District
16318 Great Oaks Drive
Round Rock, Texas 78681 |
| By Fax: |
(512) 255-0332
Attn: Public Information Officer |
| By E-mail: |
PublicInformation@bcmud.org |
How do I phrase my request? Is there a special form I should use?
Your request does not need to cite a specific law or statute, nor does it need to be on a special form. A request may be typed or handwritten. It must have enough information to identify the information requested, the requestor's name and a means to communicate with the requestor (i.e. address, telephone number, etc.) An open records request must be for information that exists at the time of the request.
Will I get all the information I want?
Brushy Creek Municipal Utility district believes in open government and strives to fulfill all open records requests. However, there may be occasions in which information may fall under one of the exceptions allowed by law. Exceptions frequently include confidential information. Some exceptions are mandatory (required non-disclosure) while others are discretionary (depends on circumstances surrounding the document); some exceptions are permanent, while others are temporary. Brushy Creek MUD will release information that does not fall under the exceptions and will send the excepted information to the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) http://www.oag.state.tx.us/opinopen/og_faqs.shtml for an opinion on disclosure. Once the OAG has rendered an opinion, the District will comply. Documents are usually furnished to the requestor within 10 business days. Requests that are voluminous, archived or that require manipulation, may take more time. In such cases, the requestor is notified that more time is needed and a firm time and date for release is set.
What is an "Open Records Request"? Is that the same as a "Request for Public Information"?
Requests for Public Information, also known as "open records requests", are simply requests for information that has been "collected, assembled or maintained" by or for a governmental body. (Government Code, Chapter 552)
How can I search for documents myself?
The District maintains an archive database which has images of certain documents for instant viewing. This database, which we call the Archive Website, is accessible thru the following links.
Meeting Archives
To search Meeting Archives to view Minutes, Agendas, Packets, Handouts and similar documents click the link above and type in a date range using the format mm/dd/yy. For example, if you wish to view a meeting agenda in the month of May 2007 click in the left field and type in 05/01/07 then click on right field and type n 06/01/07 then click search. All meeting dates for the month of May 2007 will appear, click on a meeting date to view a list of documents. Click on the corresponding document you wish to view. The document will open in a new window in pdf format.
District Business Archives
To search District Business Archives to view correspondence, project documents, audits and other District documents click on the link above and type in a keyword. For example, if you wish to view the Districts agreement with Round Rock Refuse for trash service, type in the word trash and click search. All database categories with trash as a keyword will be listed. Click on the category you wish to view and a list of documents will appear. Scroll the list until the document you wish to view is shown and click on the link. The document will open in a new window in pdf format.
Other Places to Search for Documents
The Brushy Creek Mud has a great deal to offer as well. Here you can find the latest Board and Committee Meeting Agendas and Packets, employment opportunities The Parks and Recreation Department keeps catalogs and other activities.
Texas Legal Code - Public Information - Chapter 552
Public Information Handbook - 2008 (publication)
Public Information Made Easy - 2008 (publication)
Link to Office of the Attorney General Website - Public Information Section
Link to free online Public Information Act Training Course