FOIA Request to Saline County regarding vendor payment registers on February 1, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Saline County, Illinois, by SE Illinois News on February 1, 2026. The request seeks access to the county’s vendor payment register for the preceding calendar month. This includes details such as the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments, and descriptions of goods or services purchased.
The request emphasizes that it is intended for gathering information of public interest for dissemination. It specifically asks for records that currently exist and does not require the creation of new documents. In case any part of the request is denied or withheld, SE Illinois News has asked for a specific statutory basis for denial and requests that all reasonably segregable portions of the records be released.
SE Illinois News has requested these records in electronic format if available and has sought a fee waiver citing their role as a media organization committed to transparency and accountability in public institutions. The news outlet is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating governmental agencies using FOIA and Sunshine Laws.
Saline County’s school system had an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year, with 3,654 students enrolled and 301 full-time faculty members across its schools.
We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.
