A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the City Of East Moline Finance Department on October 31, 2024. The request was made by Rock Island Today, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The request specifically asked for records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, preferably in electronic format. The information sought includes a list of businesses that paid sales tax to the city from January 1, 2023, to October 31, 2024. This list should contain the business name, business type, and the amount of sales tax paid by each entity.
In addition to this detailed list, Rock Island Today also requested information about the total amount of sales tax that the city collected within the same timeframe.
As a media organization involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, Rock Island Today emphasized that access to public records is essential for fulfilling professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given their role in disseminating information, they believe they are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.
This move is part of Rock Island Today's ongoing efforts to provide thorough coverage of local government affairs and ensure transparency in public financial matters.
Alerts Sign-up