FOIA Request to Surry County regarding vendor payment registers on January 15, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by Old North News to Surry County, North Carolina, seeking access to vendor payment registers. The request specifically asks for records covering the period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. These records should include details such as the names of vendors paid by the county, the dates and amounts of payments made, and descriptions of the goods or services purchased.
The request emphasizes the importance of these records in promoting transparency and accountability within public institutions. Old North News is a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs. As part of their mission, they aim to hold public institutions accountable and ensure transparency for the public.
In addition to requesting these records under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. ยง132-1., Old North News has requested that the information be provided in electronic format. They have also sought a fee waiver based on their role as a media professional involved in disseminating information to the public.
The requestor is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating government agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this organization can be found at https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Of note is that in Surry County school districts during the 2022-23 school year, only 24.6% of senior students taking the science portion of the ACT 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.
