FOIA Request to Hardin County regarding vendor payment registers on February 1, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Hardin County, Illinois, by Southern Illinois News. The request seeks access to the county’s vendor payment register for the immediately preceding calendar month. The information requested includes the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments, and descriptions of goods or services purchased.
The request is made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, with a preference for receiving the records in electronic format. The request emphasizes that it seeks existing records only and does not require the creation of new documents. Additionally, if any part of the request is denied or withheld, Southern Illinois News has asked for a specific statutory basis for such denial and requests that all reasonably segregable portions of the records be released.
Southern Illinois News highlights its role as a media organization committed to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs. Access to public records is deemed essential for fulfilling their professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. Given their role in disseminating information to the public, they have requested a fee waiver as media professionals.
The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this organization can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Hardin County’s educational system features an average student-to-teacher ratio of 14-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year, with 530 students enrolled and 39 full-time faculty members across its schools.
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.
