FOIA Request to City of Countryside regarding expense reimbursements on February 1, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by West Cook News to the City of Countryside, Illinois, seeking detailed records of expense reimbursements for the immediately preceding calendar month. The request was made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, and aims to obtain these records in an electronic format.
The specific information requested includes the name and title of individuals who received reimbursements, dates and amounts of those reimbursements, descriptions of the expenses reimbursed, and the associated department or office. This request is intended to gather information that is in the public interest and will be used for dissemination to the public. It seeks only existing records and does not require the creation of new documents.
West Cook News emphasized its role as a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs. The requestor also noted their involvement with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies in investigating government actions through FOIA requests. More information about this coalition can be found on their website here.
The requestor has expressed willingness to receive any available records electronically and has requested a fee waiver due to their status as a media professional engaged in gathering and reporting news.
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.
