West Central Reporter

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

On June 10, 2025, West Central Reporter submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Scott County Treasurer's Office in Illinois. The request seeks records related to property tax relief and exemptions for veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses for the tax year 2024 through the present. Specifically, the requested documents include:

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

2. Records of individuals who requested or received a Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-165.

3. Records of individuals who requested or received a Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-169.

4. Records of individuals who requested or received a Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-172.

The request emphasizes the importance of access to public records for media professionals to hold public institutions accountable and ensure transparency. The West Central Reporter has also sought a fee waiver, citing its role in disseminating information to the public.

The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies by utilizing Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.

Scott County, located in Illinois, had an average student-to-teacher ratio of 11-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year, serving 759 students with 72 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.