East Central Reporter

FOIA Request to Coles County regarding vendor payment registers on November 10, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Coles County, Illinois, by the East Central Reporter on November 10, 2025. The request seeks access to vendor payment registers maintained by the county for the period from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. Specifically, the records requested include the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments made, and descriptions of goods or services purchased during this timeframe.

The East Central Reporter is a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. In their request, they emphasized the importance of accessing public records in order to fulfill their professional responsibilities of holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for the public. The organization has requested that these records be provided in electronic format if available.

Additionally, as a member of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies—the East Central Reporter has sought a fee waiver for this request. This coalition leverages Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to enhance transparency and inform the American electorate about government actions.

Coles County's educational system includes an average student-to-teacher ratio of 14-to-1 for the 2022-23 school year. With an enrollment of 5,774 students and 417 full-time faculty members across its schools, it reflects a commitment to education within the community.

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.