Commonly Used Exemptions

The Code of Virginia allows any public body to withhold certain records from public disclosure. The County of Mathews commonly withholds records subject to the following exemptions:

  • Personnel records (Section 2.2-3705.1 (1))
  • Records subject to attorney-client privilege (Section 2.2-3705.1 (2)) or attorney work product (Section 2.2-3705.1 (3))
  • Vendor proprietary information (Section 2.2-3705.1 (6))
  • Records relating to the negotiation and award of a contract, prior to a contract being awarded (Section 2.2-3705.1 (12))
  • Section 2.2-3705.2 (14): Public safety; critical infrastructure, surveillance, etc. Provides an exemption for:
    • Information contained in (i) engineering, architectural, or construction drawings; (ii) operational, procedural, tactical planning, or training manuals; (iii) staff meeting minutes; or (iv) other records that reveal any of the following, the disclosure of which would jeopardize the safety or security of any person; governmental facility, building, or structure or persons using such facility, building, or structure; or public or private commercial office, multifamily residential, or retail building or its occupants

Please note: The Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council recognizes other exemptions. For further information, please visit the FOIA Council - Virginia FOIA Exemptions website.

Policy Regarding the Use of Exemptions

  • The general policy of the County of Mathews is to invoke the personnel records exemption in those instances where it applies in order to protect the privacy of employees and officials of the County of Mathews
  • The general policy of the County of Mathews is to invoke the contract negotiations exemption whenever it applies in order to protect the County of Mathews bargaining position and negotiating strategy
  • The general policy of the County of Mathews is to invoke the attorney-client privilege exemption whenever it applies in order to protect the County’s interest in any suit or contract negotiation.

Notice: Under Virginia Law, all information, including email, written letters, documents and phone messages, sent to the Mathews County Board of Supervisors is subject to Freedom of Information Act law. This includes the sender’s email address, home address or phone number if shown in the message, the content of the message and any associated attachments to the mail.