A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the City Of Harrisburg Finance Department regarding sales tax records on October 31, 2024. The request was made by SE Illinois News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
In the request, we sought access to specific records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. We asked for these records preferably in an electronic format for ease of analysis and reporting.
The specific information requested includes a list of businesses that paid sales tax to the city from January 1, 2023, to October 31, 2024. For each business listed, we requested details such as the business name, business type, and the amount of sales tax paid during this period.
In addition to this detailed breakdown per business entity, we also asked for the total amount of sales tax that the city collected within this same timeframe. This aggregate figure will help us provide a broader picture of the city's revenue from sales tax during this period.
As members of SE Illinois News, our primary role is gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals. As always, we remain committed to delivering comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
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