FOIA Request to Village of Simpson regarding employee overtime records on February 1, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Village of Simpson by Prairie State Wire, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs. The request, dated February 1, 2026, seeks access to the village’s employee overtime records for the immediately preceding calendar month. The information requested includes the name and job title of employees, their department or office, dates and number of overtime hours worked, and any overtime compensation paid.
The request specifies that the records should be provided in electronic format if available. It is noted that this request aims to gather information of public interest for dissemination to the public and does not require the creation of new documents. In case any part of the request is denied or withheld, Prairie State Wire asks for a specific statutory basis for such denial and requests that all reasonably segregable portions of the records be released.
Prairie State Wire emphasizes its role in gathering and reporting news as a member of the media. The organization highlights its commitment to holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency. Additionally, it mentions eligibility for a fee waiver due to its status as a media professional.
The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
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.
