If you’ve ever wondered what might be behind closed doors at Town Hall, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) can be a great tool to find out.

Connecticut law gives every resident the right to request access to most government records—whether you’re looking for emails about a town project, copies of contracts, or records that explain why a change was made. The process is straightforward, and in Thomaston, most requests can be handled with a simple email to the right department.

And while it’s a practical tool for gathering information, it’s also something bigger: a way to strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust in our local government. FOIA isn’t just for reporters or lawyers—it’s for anyone who wants to stay informed and involved.

What FOIA Can Get You

While things like meeting minutes, agendas, and property records are often posted publicly, here are examples of records you can request that typically aren’t available online:

• Emails between town officials about developments, school issues, or policy changes.
• Internal memos or reports that explain the reasoning behind a decision—such as changes to Town Hall hours or staff restructuring.
• Contracts with outside vendors
• Spending breakdowns for specific projects or purchases—beyond the high-level figures in the posted budget.
• Bid documents and RFPs, including what the town received and why a vendor was chosen.
• Consulting reports or surveys, such as traffic studies or department reviews, that aren’t widely circulated.
• Emails or letters exchanged with state agencies, especially for grants, mandates, or project approvals.

If it was created by a town employee, used in an official decision, or shared with a public board—it’s probably a public record.

Where to Send Your Request

Here are the main local offices in Thomaston that handle public records:

Town Clerk
Handles land records, election files, and permits.
📞 (860) 283‑4141 📧 cdupont@thomastonct.org

Assessor’s Office
Responsible for property assessments and tax rolls
📞 (860) 283‑0305 ext. 202 📧 joneill@thomastonct.org

Thomaston Public Schools – Central Office
📞 (860) 283‑3053
Francine Coss (Superintendent) 📧 fcoss@thomastonschools.org

Selectman’s Office
Policy/ordinance enforcement and management of daily operations
📞 (860) 283‑4421 📧 emone@thomastonct.org

How to Write a Request

There’s no special form required. A clear email or letter works just fine. Here’s an example:

Subject: FOIA Request – Board of Finance minutes

Hello,
I’d like to request copies of Board of Finance meeting minutes from January through March 2025. Please let me know if there are any costs associated or if additional clarification is needed.

Thank you,
[Your name]

It helps to be specific—include dates, subjects, addresses, or anything else that narrows the scope. If you’re not sure which department holds the record, the Town Clerk is often a good starting point.

What to Expect After You Submit

If the request is simple, you may get the documents quickly. More complex or older records might take longer to locate. The office may also charge reasonable fees for printing or copying, though digital documents are often free.

If you don’t get a timely response or are denied access, you can follow up or appeal to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission.

Final Thoughts

• While a FOIA request is a tool available to you, much of the information you may be looking for is available online. A best practice would be to search the town website before making a request – both you and the town – some time!
• All meetings of town government are open to the public, exception portions held in Executive Session as allowed by law. This page primarily relates to document requests not otherwise made readily available online (Note – this has been added for clarity based on Ed Mone, First Selectman’s comment below).
• This article offers general information about accessing public records in Thomaston. It’s not legal advice. If you hit a roadblock—like being denied records or facing redaction issues—you might want to contact a lawyer or the FOI Commission directly for guidance.