FOIA Request to Richland County regarding all county employee salaries 2024 on December 18, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by Prairie State Wire to Richland County, Illinois, seeking detailed records of all individuals employed by the county during the calendar year 2024. The request, dated December 18, 2025, aims to obtain information on employee names, departments, job titles, salaries or wages for the year 2024, and employment types or statuses.
The FOIA request specifically asks for data that includes full names of employees (first and last), their respective departments or employing units, job titles or positions held, and their salary or wage details for the year in question. Additionally, it seeks clarification on the employment type or status of each individual—whether they are full-time employees, part-time employees, temporary/seasonal workers, or contractors if such records are maintained by the county.
Prairie State Wire has requested that these records be provided in an electronic format that is machine-readable such as CSV or Excel files. They have also asked for delivery via email or a download link. In cases where any portion of the requested information is denied or redacted under statutory exemptions, Prairie State Wire has requested that non-exempt portions be provided along with specific citations of the legal exemptions applied.
As a media organization dedicated to reporting on local governmental affairs and ensuring transparency in public institutions, Prairie State Wire has emphasized its role in disseminating information to the public. The organization has also mentioned its affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit corporation focused on investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws—to underscore its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Richland County’s educational system had an average student-to-teacher ratio of 17-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year. With a total enrollment of 2,254 students and 134 full-time faculty members across its schools, education remains a significant aspect of public service within the county.
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.
