A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Dekalb County in Illinois regarding vendor payments on September 26, 2024. The request was made by us at DeKalb Times, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
We requested for a list of all payments made to vendors from January 1, 2024, till the date of the request. The details sought included the vendor name, transaction date, transaction description, and the amount paid.
As journalists at DeKalb Times, we are involved in 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.
We will continue to follow up with Dekalb County until we receive the requested information. This effort is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in local government affairs.