FOIA Request to Village of Godfrey regarding expense reimbursement records on February 1, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Village of Godfrey by Prairie State Wire, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs. The request seeks access to the village’s expense reimbursement records for the immediately preceding calendar month. The request was sent on February 1, 2026.
The specific information requested includes the name and title of individuals reimbursed, dates and amounts of reimbursements, descriptions of expenses reimbursed, and the associated department or office. The requester has emphasized that this inquiry is aimed at gathering information in the public interest for dissemination purposes. It is explicitly stated that the request pertains only to existing records and does not necessitate the creation of new documents.
Prairie State Wire has also requested that if any part of this FOIA request is denied or withheld, a specific statutory basis for such denial should be provided along with all reasonably segregable portions of the records. Additionally, they have expressed a preference for receiving these records in electronic format if available.
As a member of the media, Prairie State Wire has highlighted its role in ensuring transparency and accountability within public institutions. They have also indicated their eligibility for a fee waiver based on their professional responsibilities in disseminating news to the public.
This request is supported by The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, which aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition 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.
