SECTION 770:1-5-4. Search fees

(a)   A charge of $25.00 per hour shall be made for document search with a minimum of one hour charge. Document search fees shall be assessed only as authorized in OAC 770:1-5-3.

(b)   Requests for records requiring less than one hour will be responded to in not more than five (5) working days from the date of the request.

(c)   The Department of Veterans Affairs shall post the fee scheduled in the Central Office of the Department and with the Oklahoma County Clerk. Additional copies of the fee schedule shall be deposited with the County Clerk in each county wherein there is located an Oklahoma Veterans Center and with the office of the Administrator of said Centers.

(d)   No search fee shall be charged "when the release of said documents is in the public interest, including, but not limited to, release to the news media, scholars, authors and taxpayers seeking to determine whether those entrusted with the affairs of the government are honestly, faithfully, and competently performing their duties as public servants. Said fees shall not be used for the purpose of discouraging requests for information or as obstacles to disclosure of requested information." [51 O.S.Supp. 1985, Section 24A.5(3)]