East Central Reporter

FOIA Request to City of Bridgeport regarding a list of city employees on August 21, 2025.

The East Central Reporter, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs, has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Bridgeport in Illinois. The request, sent on August 21, 2025, seeks access to records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, specifically requesting a list of all city employees with specific details.

The requested information includes the full name, sex, race, job title, department or division, annual salary (or hourly rate if applicable), and hire/start date for each employee. The East Central Reporter has expressed a preference for receiving this information in electronic format.

As part of their mission to gather and report news to the public while holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency, the East Central Reporter has also requested a fee waiver. This request is based on their role as a media professional disseminating information to the public.

Additionally, it is noted that the requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. This Missouri-based non-profit organization assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found at https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.

In Illinois, pet owners must have a license for certain pets like dogs and comply with state and local regulations. These licenses are defined in the Illinois Animal Welfare Act and must comply with the Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Rules. The pet license typically involves a fee and must be renewed periodically. Licensing supports animal control and health programs and helps ensure that pets have the correct vaccinations, especially against deadly and highly contagious diseases like rabies.

We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.