SE Illinois News

FOIA Request to White County regarding vendor payment registers on November 10, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the White County Treasurer's Office in Illinois by SE Illinois News. The request seeks access to existing vendor payment registers 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 during this timeframe.

The request emphasizes that it pertains only to records that are already in existence and does not require the creation of new documents. The requester has asked for these records to be provided in electronic format if available. This is part of an effort by SE Illinois News to gather information necessary for reporting on local governmental affairs and ensuring transparency and accountability within public institutions.

SE Illinois News is a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage on local government matters. As a member of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit corporation focused on promoting transparency through FOIA requests, SE Illinois News plays a role in investigating state and federal governmental agencies.

In addition to requesting the records, SE Illinois News has also sought a fee waiver as they are involved in gathering and disseminating news for public benefit. The average student-to-teacher ratio in White County was reported as 13-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year, with 2,313 students enrolled across schools served by 178 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.