FOIA Request to Village of Bellmont regarding new contracts or amendments on February 1, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Village of Bellmont by SE Illinois News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. The request seeks access to records pertaining to new contracts and any amendments to existing contracts that were executed, approved, or became effective during the immediately preceding calendar month.
The requested records include details such as the title of the contract or amendment, names of contracting parties, effective and approval dates, contract amounts or amended values, and descriptions of the goods or services covered. This request is aimed at gathering information of public interest for dissemination to the public. It is specified that the request does not require the creation of new documents but is limited to records that currently exist.
The requester has asked for these records in electronic format if available and has also sought a fee waiver citing their role as a member of the media involved in gathering and reporting news to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency. The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization assisting media companies in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA requests.
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.
