Bret Taylor Chief Deputy at Bureau County | Bureau County
Bret Taylor Chief Deputy at Bureau County | Bureau County
FOIA Request to Bureau County regarding tax relief requests for a veteran with disabilities on June 10, 2025.
On June 10, 2025, the Illinois Valley Times submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Bureau County, Illinois. The request seeks records related to property tax relief and exemptions for veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses for the tax year 2024 onwards. Specifically, the requested documents include:
1. Records of individuals who requested or received Property Tax Relief as a Veteran with a Disability or as a Surviving Spouse of a Disabled Veteran.
2. Documents pertaining to those who sought or were granted a Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-165.
3. Records showing individuals who applied for or obtained a Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to statute 35 ILCS 200/15-169.
4. Documents detailing requests or approvals for a Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-172.
The Illinois Valley Times emphasized the importance of accessing these public records to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental affairs. The organization also highlighted its eligibility for a fee waiver due to its role in media and public information dissemination.
The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, which aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating government actions through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website.
Bureau County has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year, with 4,427 students enrolled across its schools supported by 381 full-time faculty members.
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.
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