Rock Island Today

FOIA Request to Mercer County regarding vendor payment registers on November 10, 2025.

On November 10, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Mercer County, Illinois, by Rock Island Today. The request seeks access to the county's vendor payment registers for the period from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. The requested records include details such as the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments made, and descriptions of goods or services purchased.

The request specifies that it applies only to existing records and does not require the creation of new documents. An electronic format is preferred for ease of access and distribution. The requester has also sought a fee waiver citing their role as a media professional involved in public reporting and accountability.

Rock Island Today is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. This coalition aims to enhance transparency and inform the American public about government actions.

Mercer County is known for its educational commitment with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year. It had an enrollment of 1,256 students supported by 107 full-time faculty members across its schools.

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.