West Central Reporter

FOIA Request to Pike County regarding tax relief requests for a veteran with disabilities on June 10, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Pike County, Illinois, by West Central Reporter on June 10, 2025. The request seeks access to various documents related to property tax relief and exemptions for veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses for the tax year 2024 through the present.

The specific records requested include:

1. Documents showing individuals who requested or received Property Tax Relief as a Veteran with a Disability or as a Surviving Spouse of a Disabled Veteran.

2. Documents showing individuals who requested or received a Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities, in accordance with Illinois law 35 ILCS 200/15-165.

3. Documents showing individuals who requested or received a Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities, pursuant to Illinois law 35 ILCS 200/15-169.

4. Documents showing individuals who requested or received a Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption, under Illinois law 35 ILCS 200/15-172.

The West Central Reporter emphasizes the importance of accessing public records to ensure transparency and accountability within public institutions. As part of their role in disseminating information to the public, they have also requested a fee waiver typically granted to media professionals.

The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about this organization can be found on their website.

Pike County has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 11-to-1 in the current school year, highlighting its commitment to education alongside addressing veterans' needs.

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.