West Cook News

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

The West Cook News has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Countryside in Illinois. The request, sent on November 10, 2025, seeks access to existing vendor payment registers maintained by the city for the period from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. The requested records should include the names of vendors paid by the city, dates and amounts of payments, and a description or purpose of goods and services provided.

The FOIA request emphasizes that it is strictly for records that already exist and does not require the creation of new documents. As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, West Cook News seeks these records to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency to the public.

In Illinois, public records requests are governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), which allows individuals and organizations to request access to government documents. The requester is also affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.

West Cook News has requested a fee waiver for this FOIA request based on its role as a media professional involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to these public records is deemed essential for fulfilling their professional responsibilities.

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.