JOHN COFFELT
Editor  

The CIty of Manchester issued a statement Thursday, July 16 regarding a suit to be filed  regarding what the city calls an “ongoing pattern of misuse of the public records act that disrupts the municipal operations and places a significant burden on taxpayer funded resources.” 

The city alleges that an unnamed non-resident of the city has submitted 402 line item public records requests, including 64 departmental requests through 22 request forms since March of 2023.     

The city further alleges that other requests and communications date back to 2019.

“Following consultation with legal counsel and  pursuant to action approved by the City’s elected representatives, the city determined that pursuing injunctive relief was necessary to protect the public resources and ensure that city employees can continue providing essential services to the citizens of Manchester,” the statement said.    

The city’s suit is said to include allegations regarding the volume, nature and circumstances surrounding requests that allegedly could have been coordinated with other individuals.

The city has taken a “no further comment” position, citing pending litigation. 

“The City of Manchester has never been found to have violated the Tennessee Public Records act and remains committed to transparency, accountability and compliance with all lawful public records requests,” the statement said.