Jodi M Koester County Treasurer and Collector | Perry County
Jodi M Koester County Treasurer and Collector | Perry County
FOIA Request to Perry County regarding vendor payment registers on November 10, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Perry County, Illinois, by the Illinois Valley Times on November 10, 2025. The request seeks access to existing vendor payment registers maintained by the county for the period from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. Specifically, the records requested include the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments made, and descriptions of goods or services purchased.
The request emphasizes that it applies only to records that already exist and does not require the creation of new documents. The Illinois Valley Times has requested that these records be provided in electronic format if available. As a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, access to such public records is deemed essential for fulfilling their professional responsibilities.
The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. This coalition aims to enhance transparency and inform the American electorate about government actions.
In addition to requesting these records, the Illinois Valley Times has sought a fee waiver based on their role as a media professional involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. They argue that this waiver is justified given their commitment to holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency.
Perry County's educational system had an average student-to-teacher ratio of 14-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year, with a total enrollment of 2,492 students across its schools supported by 180 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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