Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Open Records Request?
How do I file an Open Records Request?
Who is the official Brownsville PUB Officer for Public
Information?
How much time does Brownsville PUB have to
respond to an Open Records Request?
Is a telephone call for information considered an
official Open Records Request?
What records must be provided in response to an Open
Records Request?
Will I be charged for copies of public information?
What is an Open Records Request?
An Open Records Request is any written request asking for copies of or access to
information related to the transaction of official Brownsville PUB business.
How do I file an Open Records Request?
To file an Open Records Request under the Texas Public Information Act, you must:
1. Submit the request in writing to the Officer for Public Information, Brownsville Public
Utilities Board, P. O. Box 3270, Brownsville, TX 78523-3270; or you may submit your
request by fax to the attention of the Officer for Public Information at (956) 983-6289.
2. You may submit your request through e-mail to the attention of the Officer for Public
Information at openrecords@brownsville-pub.com.
Who is the official Brownsville PUB Officer for Public Information?
The official Brownsville PUB Officer for Public Information is John S. Bruciak, General
Manager & CEO. The General Manager has designated Lucila Hernandez, Director of
Marketing and Administrative Services, to act on his behalf as Officer for Public
Information.
How much time does Brownsville PUB have to respond to an Open Records Request?
The Texas Public Information Act provides for no more than ten business days to respond to
an Open Records Request. However, it is Brownsville PUB policy to respond to a requestor
as soon as possible if the information is open and readily available. Brownsville PUB may
require additional time to produce the requested information if the information is not
readily available.
Is a telephone call for information considered an official Open Records Request?
No. To be considered an “official” Open Records Request, the request must be in
writing. However, in some cases, a person may call for information of a general nature
that may be communicated over the phone.
What records must be provided in response to an Open Records Request?
Everything the Brownsville PUB creates or receives is open to the public unless it
qualifies under an exception that allows it to be withheld. Exceptions are found in the
Texas Public Information Act, Senate Bill 7 (the Electric Utility Industry Restructuring
Bill), and the Brownsville PUB Resolution on competitive matters.
Will I be charged for copies of public information?
The Texas Public Information Act provides for charges for copies of and access to public
information. Any charges or costs associated with providing information will be billed to
the requestor and will be in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Texas Building
and Procurement Commission, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 111. |
