How much does information cost in Prince William County, VA?

A request from Pete Candland to county staff for information on the new county logo was about to cost him $350 to $500 recently, Reece Collins, a Candland staff member, reported June 19. Candland, a Republican, represents Gainesville District on Prince William Board of County Supervisors.

Collins said his boss had questions on the logo, its cost, why a Michigan firm was able to do the work for $750, how the contract was awarded and why the design was chosen.

Candland became curious after John Jenkins, (D-Neabsco), at an earlier board meeting, also had questions and wanted to know, among other things, why Melissa Peacor, county executive officer, didn’t run the new logo by supervisors first.

On June 10, Candland sent a letter to Jason Grant, county communications director, and Jeff Kaczmarek, county director of economic development, seeking answers to his logo queries. Peacor and other supervisors were copied on his request, Collins added.

According to Collins, Frank Principi, (D-Woodbridge), objected to Candland’s asking for answers. He said Candland needed a resolution from the board with five “yes” votes to get the information.

Another possibility for Candland was to get the information under a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request, Collins said the supervisor was advised by county attorney Angela Horan’s office.

Collins added the county attorney’s office said Candland would have to pay for any information under a FOIA request, and that the cost could run $350 to $500.

Next, Candland’s wife, Robyn, sent out an email, asking for donations so her husband could pay for the information.

At the June 18 board of supervisors meeting, it was agreed that Candland’s request could be considered a board directive, not a FOIA request, and the FOIA tab went away.

Under the directive, county staff will provide Candland the information he’s asked for, just as long as it doesn’t include documents that would have to be created, Collins explained.