FOIA Request to Town of Godwin regarding vendor payment registers on February 1, 2026.
A request for public records has been submitted to the Town of Godwin under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. §132-1. The request, sent by Old North News, seeks access to the town’s vendor payment register for the immediately preceding calendar month. The requested records should include the names of vendors paid by the city, dates and amounts of payments, and descriptions of goods or services purchased.
The request emphasizes that it is limited to existing records and does not necessitate the creation of new documents. In case any part of this request is denied or withheld, a specific statutory basis for such denial is requested along with all reasonably segregable portions of the records. The preference is for these records to be provided in electronic format if available.
Old North News identifies itself as a media organization committed to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. They assert that access to public records is essential for their role in holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency. Given their status as a media entity, they have requested a fee waiver.
The requestor also notes their affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition 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.
