Mr. White:

It appears you may desire to narrow the scope of your original request which included multiple communication mediums to only email.  That will likely reduce any estimated time and costs in making any responsive records available. Please know that the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) does not have the capabilities some of the other agencies have to search its communication mediums and the primary search methods used to search most communication mediums utilized by OYA employees is by the party name or the position of the OYA employee.

It is my understanding that you have made your request for records under the Public Records Law (PRL).  Please let me know if that understanding is incorrect.  In the context of the PRL, your request that OYA waive the cost associated with your request appears to be a request for a fee waiver, as part of OYA's standard records request process, OYA would welcome you to provide the specific following information to help us understand your basis for seeking a fee waiver:

1.      Would disclosure of the requested information, directly impact, affect, or serve an identified interest of the general public?  If so, how?
2.      Would the requested information, advance the welfare or well-being of the general public?  If so, how?
3.      Will the requester be able to actually, meaningfully disseminate the requested information?  How will the requester be able to demonstrate the ability to meaningfully disseminate the information publicly?

4.      Is the public benefit greater than the individual benefit derived from disclosure?  If so, how?
5.      Is there a specifically identified purpose for which the public records are being sought that is wholly unrelated to a) commercial purposes; or b) actual or possible use in connection with administrative, judicial or legal proceedings? If so, please explain.

Please confirm your revised request and provide complete information to me by replying to this email so OYA may assess whether the requested disclosure is in the public interest.

Respectfully,
[OYA Staff] (she/her)
Public Records, Risk and Legislative Analyst
Oregon Youth Authority