A question and a public records request are not the same thing, although they both involve seeking information.
A question is a general inquiry for information, often posed in conversation or communication, seeking an immediate response or clarification.
On the other hand, a public records request is a procedure governed by law, usually in the context of government agencies or public institutions. It involves requesting access to documents, data, or other materials held by a government agency or public entity. These requests typically have specific procedures and timelines for response, as well as legal requirements regarding what information can be released and under what circumstances.
While both involve seeking information, a question is a general inquiry, whereas a public records request is a legal process for obtaining specific existing documents or data from government agencies or public institutions. The law recognizes that staff are fully committed to work serving the whole town, thus creating new reports in response to a question is not required.