West Central Reporter

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

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Hancock County, Illinois, by West Central Reporter, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs. The request seeks access to vendor payment registers maintained by the county for the period from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. The records requested include the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments made, and descriptions of goods or services purchased.

The request emphasizes that it pertains only to existing records and does not require the creation of new documents. The preferred format for receiving these records is electronic if available. This approach aligns with efforts to maintain transparency in government operations and provide comprehensive news coverage.

West Central Reporter has highlighted its role in gathering and reporting news as part of its professional responsibilities. As a member of the media, they have requested a fee waiver based on their involvement in disseminating information to the public. The organization is also affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit entity dedicated to investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws.

Hancock County's educational system features an average student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1 for the 2022-23 school year. With an enrollment of 2,755 students and 214 full-time faculty members across its schools, the county maintains a focus on education alongside its administrative functions.

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.