I wanted to post a short follow-up to our news story Appraisal District Caught Overcharging for Public Information. In order to shed more light on just how long the Montgomery Central Appraisal District (MCAD) has been overcharging for public information, we have sent in this public information request.
I find it interesting that MCAD actually has a public information request form with the $15.00 and $25.00 fees as payments options. Apparently MCAD has been charging these flat fees long enough for the fees to make it onto their public information request form.
Additionally, while researching another story, I asked MCAD for public information on a commercial property. I was initially quoted the $25.00 flat fee, then I was told that media gets the information for free. I was indeed sent the information free of charge. However, recently I received a refund check for $14.50 from MCAD. It seems there is a bit of confusion with the record keeping in regards to public information requests.
In conclusion, we are glad MCAD is promptly refunding the overcharges for the year 2007. We believe the data we gather from our current public information request in regards to charges for past public information should go a long way in determining how long the overcharges have been in place.
If you have been overcharged and have not received a refund please let us know.
Stay tuned…..
Related Information
Appraisal District Caught Overcharging for Public Information
Follow-up Public Information Request – MCAD Overcharges
Complaint Regarding Public Information Overcharges – Donnelly
MCAD Letter and Refund Check
MCAD Response to the Attorney General – Overcharges
MCAD Request for Public Information Form
Attorney General’s Letter to MCAD – Overcharges
