South Central Reporter

FOIA Request to City of Taylorville regarding city employees list on August 21, 2025.

The South Central Reporter, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs, has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Taylorville. The request, sent on August 21, 2025, seeks a comprehensive list of all city employees with specific details. This includes each employee's full name, sex, race, job title, department or division, annual salary or hourly rate if applicable, and hire or start date.

The request was made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), which allows for public access to government records in the state. The South Central Reporter has expressed a preference for receiving this information in electronic format to facilitate their reporting efforts.

As part of their role in gathering and disseminating news to the public, the South Central Reporter is seeking a fee waiver for this request. They argue that access to these public records is crucial for maintaining transparency and holding public institutions accountable.

Additionally, the requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy. This non-profit organization assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website.

In Illinois, pet owners must have a license for certain pets like dogs and comply with state and local regulations as defined by the Illinois Animal Welfare Act. These licenses support animal control and health programs while ensuring pets are vaccinated against diseases such as rabies.

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.