Public Records Dispute Leads to Lawsuit Seeking $1.25 in Damages

A dispute with a resident over a $1.25 copying charge has bought a Florida town a lawsuit.

Bill Di Scipio says he was told he couldn't himself photograph the Southwest Ranches records he wanted to see, forced to purchase photocopies as a result and then shortchanged, reports the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

A lawyer for the town, Keith Poliakoff, says his firm always takes any litigation against the municipality seriously and will defend to the full extent of the law. He notes, however, that he told the town clerk, apparently after Di Scipio left, that he could photograph the records himself.

Di Scipio's attorney, John W. McKnight, says, "It's not just about the $1.25. This is an effort by the town to keep the public misinformed."