FOIA Request to Town of Ruth regarding procurement bids and RFP submissions on February 1, 2026.
On February 1, 2026, Old North News submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Town of Ruth in North Carolina. The request seeks access to records related to procurement bids and responses to requests for proposals (RFPs) received by the town during the immediately preceding calendar month. This request is made under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. §132-1.
The specific records requested include solicitation or project titles, names of bidders or proposers, submission dates, bid amounts or proposed costs, and descriptions of the goods or services proposed. The request emphasizes that it is limited to existing records and does not require the creation of new documents. Furthermore, Old North News has expressed a preference for receiving these records in electronic format if available.
The FOIA request also notes that any denial or withholding of information should be accompanied by a specific statutory basis for such action. Additionally, Old North News requests that all reasonably segregable portions of the records be released even if some parts are withheld.
Old North News highlights its role as a media organization committed to gathering and reporting news to the public. It underscores the importance of access to public records in fulfilling its professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency. Given this role, Old North News believes it qualifies for a fee waiver as a media professional.
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 Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.
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.
