West Central Reporter

FOIA Request to City of Mount Sterling regarding vendor payment registers on November 10, 2025.

The West Central Reporter has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Mount Sterling, Illinois. The request seeks access to existing vendor payment registers for the period from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. The records requested include details such as the names of vendors paid by the city, dates and amounts of payments, and descriptions or purposes of goods and services provided.

The request emphasizes that it is strictly for records that already exist and does not seek the creation of new documents. As part of their professional duties in gathering and reporting news to the public, the West Central Reporter has also requested a fee waiver, citing their role in providing transparency and holding public institutions accountable.

This request is made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), which allows for public access to government records. The act supports transparency by enabling citizens and media organizations to obtain information about governmental activities.

The West Central Reporter is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies. This coalition uses FOIA and Sunshine Laws to promote transparency and inform the electorate about government actions. More information about this organization can be found on their website here.

In Illinois, pet owners must have a license for certain pets, like dogs, and comply with state and local regulations. These licenses are defined in the Illinois Animal Welfare Act and must comply with the Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Rules. The pet license typically involves a fee and must be renewed periodically. Licensing supports animal control and health programs and helps ensure that pets have the correct vaccinations, especially against deadly and highly contagious diseases like rabies.

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.