Frequently Asked Questions

Every record that is made or received by a government entity or employee is presumed to be a public record unless a specific statutory exemption permits or requires it to be withheld in whole or in part. Exemptions may be found at Chapter 4, Section 7(26) of the Massachusetts General Laws. For more information visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website.

A public records request is a request to either inspect, and/or copy, public records. There is no requirement that the request be made in person or in writing, or be in any particular form. The person making the request is not required to identify himself/herself, or to provide information about the reason for the request or how the records will be used. 

The request must be clear enough to enable the Town to conduct a meaningful search. The Town may ask questions about the request in order to respond to the request fully and in a timely manner. The State acknowledges that access to information is a fundamental and necessary right of every citizen.

Certain public records are available for inspection, downloading or printing from the Town website. To view public records currently maintained by the Town online visit the Document Center, Archive Center, Bid Postings or Agenda Center.

To obtain a copy and/or inspect public records maintained by the Town, you may submit your request in anyone of the following ways:

1. Town of Braintree Website by completing an on online request form – click here to be redirected to our online site
2. Electronic mail by submitting an email request – click here for email address
3. Mail by submitting a typed or handwritten request to:
4. Facsimile by submitting a fax request – click here for a listing of fax telephone numbers
5. In person by submitting a written or oral request to:

The Records Access Officer must furnish a copy or permit inspection of public records within ten business days as long as:

• The request reasonably describes the public record sought;
• The public record is within the possession, custody or control of the municipality that the records access officer serves;
• The public record is not exempted by statuary ; and
• If applicable, the records access officer receives payment of a reasonable fee

If the Records Access Officer is unable to provide a full response to your request within the ten business days he or she must respond to your request and include the following information:

• Confirmation of your request
• Identify the correct RAO if the request was submitted to the wrong RAO
• Outline what will be withheld, if know
• Provide an explanation for the inability to provide the records within the timeframe
• When a response is expected

*Responses will be delivered by email if an email has been provided otherwise; the response will be delivered by first-class mail.