East Central Reporter

FOIA Request to Richland County regarding tax relief requests for a veteran with disabilities on June 10, 2025.

On June 10, 2025, East Central Reporter submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Richland County, Illinois. The request seeks access to records related to property tax relief and exemptions for veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses. Specifically, the requested documents pertain to individuals who have applied for or received various forms of tax relief from Tax Year 2024 through the present.

The FOIA request outlines four categories of records sought:

1. Documents showing individuals who requested or received Property Tax Relief as a Veteran with a Disability or as a Surviving Spouse of a Disabled Veteran.

2. Documents related to the Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-165.

3. Records concerning the Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities as per statute 35 ILCS 200/15-169.

4. Documentation of those who applied for or received the Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption in accordance with statute 35 ILCS 200/15-172.

East Central Reporter is requesting these records in an electronic format, citing its role in providing transparency and holding public institutions accountable. As part of their submission, they have also requested a fee waiver due to their status as media professionals engaged in public reporting.

The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. This organization aims to enhance public understanding by revealing government actions and decisions.

Richland County has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 17-to-1 in the current school year, highlighting its commitment to education alongside managing local governance issues such as tax relief programs.

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.