FOIA Request to Edgar County regarding procurement bids and RFP submissions on February 1, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Edgar County, Illinois, by East Central Reporter, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs. The request seeks access to records related to procurement bids and responses to requests for proposals (RFPs) received by the county during the preceding calendar month.
The specific records requested include details such as the solicitation or project title, names of bidders or proposers, submission dates, bid amounts or proposed costs, and descriptions of the goods or services proposed. The request emphasizes that it is limited to existing records and does not necessitate the creation of new documents.
East Central Reporter aims to gather information of public interest for dissemination. The requestor also expressed willingness to receive the records in electronic format if available. In case any part of the request is denied or withheld, they have asked for a specific statutory basis for denial along with all reasonably segregable portions of the records.
As a member of the media involved in gathering and reporting news, East Central Reporter emphasized its role in holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency. They also requested a fee waiver based on their media status.
The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website.
The average student-to-teacher ratio in Edgar County was 13-to-1 in the 2022-23 school year, with 2,658 students enrolled and 205 full-time faculty members across the county’s schools.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
