A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the City Of East St. Louis Finance Department regarding sales tax records on October 25, 2024. The request was made by Metro East Sun, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
In the FOIA request, we sought detailed information about sales tax collected from retailers from January 1, 2024 till the present date. Specifically, we asked for data showing the monthly comparison of actual sales tax collected versus projected figures. We also requested the number of active retail locations paying sales tax each month and the names of these retailers along with their reported gross retail sales for each month.
As a media organization committed to transparency and accountability in public institutions, we believe that access to such public records is essential in fulfilling our professional responsibilities. In light of our role in disseminating information to the public, we have also requested a fee waiver as a media professional under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
We will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report on this crucial information that holds significant relevance to our community's economic health and understanding of local government operations.
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