FOIA Request to Alexander County regarding vendor payment register on February 1, 2026.
On February 1, 2026, Old North News submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Alexander County in North Carolina. The request sought access to the county’s vendor payment register for the immediately preceding calendar month. The requested records include the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments, and descriptions of goods or services purchased.
The request was made under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. ยง132-1., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format. Old North News emphasized that the request is intended to gather information of public interest for dissemination and does not require the creation of new documents. The organization also asked for any denied portions of the request to be accompanied by a specific statutory basis for denial and requested that all reasonably segregable portions of records be released.
Old North News highlighted its role as a media organization committed to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs. As part of its mission, it seeks transparency from public institutions and holds them accountable through access to public records. In line with this role, Old North News requested a fee waiver as a media professional.
The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Of note in Alexander County school districts, out of 333 senior students taking the science portion of the ACT during the 2022-23 school year, only 71 students (21.3%) were considered ready for college.
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.
