Carbondale Reporter

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

On November 10, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Jackson County, Illinois. The request seeks access to the county's vendor payment registers for the period from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. The requested records include details such as the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments made, and descriptions of goods or services purchased.

The request was made by Carbondale Reporter, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs. The reporter emphasized that this request pertains only to existing records and does not require the creation of new documents. Furthermore, it was specified that an electronic format is preferred for ease of access and analysis.

Carbondale Reporter operates under the umbrella of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization based in Missouri. This coalition supports media companies and public advocacy groups in investigating government agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. Their mission is to enhance transparency and inform the American public about governmental actions.

Jackson County has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1 for the school year 2022-23, with a total enrollment of 6,516 students and 514 full-time faculty members across its schools.

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.