(a) In all cases where an interested member of the public has a right to inspect or take extracts or make copies from any public records, instruments, or documents, any such person shall have the right of access to the records, documents, or instruments for the purpose of making photographs or reproductions of the same while in the possession, custody, and control of the lawful custodian thereof, or his authorized deputy. Such work shall be done under the supervision of the lawful custodian of the records, who shall have the right to adopt and enforce reasonable rules governing the work. The work shall be done in the room where the records, documents, or instruments are kept by law. While the work is in progress, the custodian may charge the person making the photographs or reproductions of the records, documents, or instruments at a rate of compensation to be agreed upon by the person making the photographs and the custodian for his services or the services of a deputy in supervising the work.

(b) Where fees for certified copies or other copies or records are specifically authorized or otherwise prescribed by law, such specific fee shall apply.

(c) Where no fee is otherwise provided by law, the agency may charge and collect a uniform copying fee not to exceed 25¢ per page.

(d) In addition, a reasonable charge may be collected for search, retrieval, and other direct administrative costs for complying with a request under this Code section. The hourly charge shall not exceed the salary of the lowest paid full-time employee who, in the discretion of the custodian of the records, has the necessary skill and training to perform the request; provided, however, that no charge shall be made for the first quarter hour.

(e) An agency shall utilize the most economical means available for providing copies of public records.

(f) Where information requested is maintained by computer, an agency may charge the public its actual cost of a computer disk or tape onto which the information is transferred and may charge for the administrative time involved as set forth in subsection (d) of this Code section.

(g) Whenever any person has requested one or more copies of a public record and such person does not pay the copying charges and charges for search, retrieval, or other direct administrative costs in accordance with the provisions of this Code section:

(1) A county or a department, agency, board, bureau, commission, authority, or similar body of a county is authorized to collect such charges in any manner authorized by law for the collection of taxes, fees, or assessments owed to the county;

(2) A municipal corporation or a department, agency, board, bureau, commission, authority, or similar body of a municipal corporation is authorized to collect such charges in any manner authorized by law for the collection of taxes, fees, or assessments owed to the municipal corporation;

(3) A consolidated government or a department, agency, board, bureau, commission, authority, or similar body of a consolidated government is authorized to collect such charges in any manner authorized by law for the collection of taxes, fees, or assessments owed to the consolidated government;

(4) A county school board or a department, agency, board, bureau, commission, authority, or similar body of a county school board is authorized to collect such charges in any manner authorized by law for the collection of taxes, fees, or assessments owed to the county;

(5) An independent school board or a department, agency, board, bureau, commission, authority, or similar body of an independent school board is authorized to collect such charges in any manner authorized by law for the collection of taxes, fees, or assessments owed to the municipal corporation; and

(6) A joint or regional authority or instrumentality which serves one or more counties and one or more municipal corporations, two or more counties, or two or more municipal corporations is authorized to collect such charges in any manner authorized by law for the collection of taxes, fees, or assessments owed to the county if a county is involved with the authority or instrumentality or in any manner authorized by law for the collection of taxes, fees, or assessments owed to the municipal corporation if a municipal corporation is involved with the authority or instrumentality.

This subsection shall apply whether or not the person requesting the copies has appeared to receive the copies.