East Central Reporter

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

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Clay County, Illinois, by East Central Reporter, a media organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. The request seeks access to vendor payment registers maintained by the county for the period from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025.

The requested records should include details such as the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments made, and descriptions of goods or services purchased. The request specifies that only existing records are needed and that they should be provided in electronic format if available.

East Central Reporter is a member of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization based in Missouri. This coalition assists media companies and public advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. Their goal is to enhance transparency and inform the American electorate about government actions.

Clay County has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1 for the 2022-23 school year, with a total enrollment of 2,195 students and 173 full-time faculty members across its schools.

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.