Metro East Sun

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

The Metro East Sun, a media organization dedicated to providing thorough and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Highland. 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 records requested include details such as the names of vendors paid by the city, dates and amounts of payments made, and descriptions or purposes of goods and services provided. The request specifies that it is strictly for records that already exist and does not seek the creation of new documents.

As a member of the media, Metro East Sun emphasizes its role in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is deemed essential for fulfilling their professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. The organization has also requested a fee waiver based on their status as a media entity.

Additionally, the requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization based in Missouri. This coalition aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found at https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.

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 both the Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Rules. Licensing typically involves a fee and requires periodic renewal. It supports animal control and health programs while ensuring pets have necessary vaccinations against diseases like rabies.

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.