FOIA Request to City of Belmont regarding new or amended contracts on February 1, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the City of Belmont by Old North News on February 1, 2026. The request seeks access to records pertaining to new contracts and any amendments to existing contracts that were executed, approved, or became effective during the immediately preceding calendar month.
The request specifically asks for several details about these contracts and amendments. These include the title of the contract or amendment, names of contracting parties, effective and approval dates, contract amounts or amended values, and descriptions of the goods or services covered. The requester emphasized that this information is sought in electronic format if available.
The request is made under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. §132-1., and aims to gather information of public interest for dissemination. It specifies that it does not require the creation of new documents but only seeks records that currently exist. In case any portion of this request is denied or withheld, a specific statutory basis for such denial is requested along with all reasonably segregable portions of the records.
Old North News has also requested a fee waiver based on their role as a media organization involved in gathering and reporting news to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency to the public. The requester identifies as a member of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, an organization dedicated to investigating governmental agencies through FOIA requests.
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.
