FOIA Request to City of Zeigler regarding vendor payment registers on February 1, 2026.
The Prairie State Wire, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Zeigler. The request seeks access to the city’s vendor payment register for the immediately preceding calendar month. This request was made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format.
The records requested include detailed information about payments made by the city. Specifically, the Prairie State Wire is seeking the names of vendors paid by the city, along with the dates and amounts of these payments. Additionally, descriptions of goods or services purchased are requested. The purpose of this request is to gather information that holds public interest and disseminate it to the public.
The Prairie State Wire emphasizes that this request pertains only to existing records and does not necessitate creating new documents. In case any part of this request is denied or withheld, they have asked for specific statutory reasons for such denial and expect all reasonably segregable portions of records to be released.
As members of the media involved in gathering and reporting news, access to public records is crucial for fulfilling their professional responsibilities. These responsibilities include holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. Given their role in disseminating information, they believe they qualify for a fee waiver as media professionals.
Additionally, it is noted that the requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization based in Missouri. This coalition aids news media companies and advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More details about this organization can be found on their website here.
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.
