FOIA Request to City of New Bern regarding new or amended contracts on February 1, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the City of New Bern by Old North News, a media organization focused on local governmental affairs. The request, dated February 1, 2026, seeks access to records concerning new contracts and amendments to existing contracts that were executed, approved, or became effective during the immediately preceding calendar month.
The specific records requested 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 request emphasizes that it is limited to existing records and does not require the creation of new documents. Additionally, Old North News has expressed a preference for receiving these records in electronic format if available.
In the event that any portion of this request is denied or withheld, Old North News has asked for a specific statutory basis for such denial and requests that all reasonably segregable portions of the records be released. As a member of the media involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, Old North News has also requested a fee waiver based on their role in disseminating information and holding public institutions accountable.
The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. 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.
