Scofield Town Council adopts GRAMA fee schedule and master fee schedule

Scofield Town Council approved two administrative measures at a special meeting March 13: a Government Records Access and Management (GRAMA) policy with a new fee structure and a town Master Fee Schedule that formalizes prepayment and application-completeness rules.

The actions were presented by the meeting chair (S1) and vetted by the town attorney, the chair said. The GRAMA resolution—described in the meeting as "Resolution adopting a government records access management GRAMA policy and fee schedule"—designates a records officer, sets submission and clarification requirements, establishes response timelines, and classifies records as public, private, protected or controlled under Utah law. The chair said the policy was checked to ensure it "comports with Utah law." (Chair (S1)).

The council also discussed the fee mechanics. "After the first 15 minutes of time, I judge the hourly rate of the most paid employee capable of fulfilling the request," Chair (S1) said, and the council agreed to set that rate at $45 per hour to discourage frivolous requests. The chair contrasted the new $45 figure with existing lower fees for some services (for example, a temporary business license was mentioned as $40).

Council members said the master fee schedule will simplify setting consistent fees across a range of services. The proposed Master Fee Schedule resolution requires payment of applicable fees or an estimated deposit before processing permits or applications, allows the town to suspend processing until payment is received, and directs that applications be deemed complete before review timelines begin. It also permits the town to charge administrative cost-recovery fees for items not specifically listed.

Committee member (S3) moved to adopt the GRAMA resolution and the council approved it by voice vote. Later the council moved and approved a separate resolution adopting the Master Fee Schedule. Both items were presented as council resolutions and recorded as adopted in the meeting minutes.

What this means: the town now has a formal process for charging for records requests and a single, amendable schedule for municipal fees. Officials said the changes are intended to bring clarity and reduce ad hoc fee-setting; the council may still amend the master schedule by future resolution.

The council took the votes during the meeting and then moved on to a discussion about a local festival before adjourning.