FOIA Request to City of Gastonia regarding new or amended contracts on February 1, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the City of Gastonia 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 specifies that the records should include details such as the contract or amendment title, names of contracting parties, effective and approval dates, contract amounts or amended values, and descriptions of the goods or services covered. The aim is to gather information of public interest for dissemination to the public. It is emphasized that this request is limited to records that currently exist and does not require the creation of new documents.
Old North News has requested these records in electronic format if available. Additionally, they have expressed a willingness to receive any reasonably segregable portions of the records if any part of the request is denied or withheld. They also seek 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.
The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA requests. More information about this organization can be found at https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
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.
