CMO Records Management & FOIA 2

Question 1

Under FOIA, which of the following is a valid exemption that allows a municipality to withhold records?

Accepted Answer

Deliberative process privilege protecting pre-decisional internal communications

Answer

The deliberative process privilege (Exemption 5) protects pre-decisional, deliberative communications to encourage frank internal discussion.

Question 2

A municipal records retention schedule must be approved by which authority before it becomes enforceable?

Accepted Answer

The state archives or records management authority

Answer

Retention schedules typically require approval from the state archives or state records management authority to be legally valid.

Question 3

What does the term 'vital records' mean in a municipal records management context?

Accepted Answer

Records essential to resume operations after a disaster

Answer

Vital records are those essential to continuing or resuming critical government functions after an emergency or disaster.

Question 4

A requestor submits a FOIA request and the municipality needs more time to respond. What is the proper course of action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the requestor of the delay and provide an estimated completion date within the statutory timeframe

Answer

Municipalities must notify requestors of any delay within the statutory response period and provide a reasonable estimated completion date.

Question 5

Which record series would typically have a 'permanent' retention designation?

Accepted Answer

Ordinances and resolutions adopted by the governing body

Answer

Ordinances and resolutions are legal enactments of the municipality and carry permanent retention because they define ongoing municipal law and policy.

(CMO) Certified Municipal Officer Practice Test

(CMO) Certified Municipal Officer Practice Test

CMO Records Management & FOIA 2