FOIA Request to City of Lenoir regarding vendor payment registers on February 1, 2026.
On February 1, 2026, Old North News submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Lenoir, North Carolina. The request seeks access to the city’s vendor payment register for the immediately preceding calendar month. The records requested include the names of vendors paid by the city, 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. §132-1., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format. Old North News emphasized that this request is aimed at gathering information of public interest for dissemination purposes and does not require the creation of new documents. The organization also expressed its willingness to receive any reasonably segregable portions of records if any part of the request is denied or withheld.
Old North News has requested a fee waiver for accessing these records, citing 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, which assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using FOIA and Sunshine Laws.
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.
