A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Dekalb County on September 26, 2024. The request, issued by DeKalb Times, a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought detailed information regarding the county's vendor payments.
Specifically, the FOIA request asked for a list of all payments made to vendors from January 1, 2024, through September 26, 2024. The requested data includes the name of each vendor paid during this period, the date of each transaction, a description of each transaction, and the amount paid in each transaction.
As representatives of DeKalb Times explained in their request letter, access to public records is crucial for their mission to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency to the public. They further noted that given their role in disseminating information as a media organization, they believe they are eligible for a fee waiver under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
The county has yet to respond to this FOIA request. As per standard procedure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, they have five business days from receipt of the request to either comply or deny it. If denied, DeKalb Times has the right to appeal within the state's public access counselor's office or in court.
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