Is the City of Branson Broke?
Yesterday I sent a simple Sunshine Request to the City of Branson seeking information that should be readily available on their HR system database. I received this information back (READ RESPONSE HERE)
Notice at that bottom of that document it states:
“Due to the normal activities of the City of Branson and the large number of documents that are generated daily, along with staff changes, varying salaries, unknown time restraints and unpredictable events, this estimate is valid for 90 days. If your authorization and payment is not received within 90 days from the date of this letter, this Sunshine Law request will be considered inactive. Once a request becomes inactive it cannot be used again; a new request must be filed and the steps for filling such a request will start over.”
WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT? ALL THESE EXCUSES WITH NO EXPLANATION – “Documents generated daily, staff changes, varying salaries.”
I just asked for a simple “SEARCH QUERY” in the HR – HUMAN RESOURCE database.
If Human Resources does not maintain annual demographic reports, then who does? I worked as the Benefits Administrator for Children’s Home Association in Peoria, IL and I know for a fact we kept all records pertaining to staff hired in our database system. With a simple search I was able to locate whatever I needed at that time.
The city of Branson did not even take the time to explain why the cost is so high.
*They did not explain how they arrived at $500.95.
*As you can see, they gave me something with a “total estimate” but did not “break down” the number of hours, hourly rates, or expected copying/scanning costs.
It seems like they are needing to do a substantial amount of research. “WHY?”
The letter states they have not yet researched the records and do not know what records exist or whether they are open or closed.
From what I am reading, it suggests the estimate may be based on a “BROAD” search effort, that may include a microfiche reader, rather than the identified reports I am requesting.
SO, MY QUESTION WOULD BE. DOES THE CITY OF BRANSON “HR” HUMAN RESOURCE DEPT. KEEP RECORDS OF STAFF THEY HIRED?
People, I am asking for “BASIC” information like age, gender, and race/ethnicity for a 10 year time frame. THAT IS ALL.
This should only take a few minutes with the correct filters in place. I DO NOT NEED THEIR NAMES, ADDRESSES, PHONE NUMBERS, HOW MUCH THEY GET PAID, ETC.
Just wanted a simple printout age, gender, and race/ethnicity
LET ME BREAK THINGS DOWN A LITTLE SIMPLER. THIS IS WHAT I SENT BACK TO THE CITY OF BRANSON TODAY.
“Thank you for your response.
Before proceeding with the estimated cost, I would like to make clear my request.
Please provide any existing workforce demographic reports, EEO reports, annual personnel reports, or similar records already maintained by the “CITY” that identify employee “DEMOGRAPHICS, or WORKFORCE composition for the past ten years.
If the city of Branson (HR) Human Resource Department has such reports, please provide a revised cost estimate for those records only.
Additionally, if possible, please provide a breakdown showing how the estimated fee of $500.95 was calculated, including estimated staff hours and hourly rates.
EXAMPLE:
Estimate cost for staff – $
Estimate cost for materials – $
Estimate cost for research – $
Estimate cost for scanning – $
Estimate cost for photocopying – $
Estimate cost for paper and digital use – $
This is how business is usually conducted.
Thank you for your assistance.”
IF YOU LOST YOUR JOB AND YOU ARE HOMELESS AND HUNGRY, PLEASE CONTACT BRANSON OUTREACH WARRIORS.
Dallas & Anita Williams,
Low-End Hotel Hole Renters
PLEASE BE SAFE EVERYONE!