The City Clerk’s Office is often considered the main source for information sought by the public. One of the most important links between city government and the public which it serves occurs through the accurate and prompt means of communication, either verbally or through printed material. Assisting the public with obtaining requested public records is an inherent duty of the City Clerk. The Government Code specifically designates what information is available to the public in light of the fact that the city is maintaining the public’s business. Cities are able to charge a fee to recover some of the costs of providing information.