FOIA Request to Town of Catawba regarding vendor payment registers on February 1, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Town of Catawba by Old North News, a media organization dedicated to covering local governmental affairs. The request, dated February 1, 2026, seeks access to specific records under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. §132-1. The requested information pertains to the city’s vendor payment register for the immediately preceding calendar month.
The request outlines a need for records that include the names of vendors paid by the city, along with the dates and amounts of payments made. Additionally, descriptions of goods or services purchased are sought. This request is intended for public interest purposes and aims to disseminate relevant information to the public.
Old North News emphasizes that this request does not require the creation of new documents but seeks existing records only. In case any part of this request is denied or withheld, they have asked for a specific statutory basis for such denial and requested that all reasonably segregable portions be released. The organization has expressed willingness to receive these records in electronic format if available.
As members of the media involved in gathering and reporting news, Old North News underscores its role in holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency. They have also requested a fee waiver due to their status as media professionals.
The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website: 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.
