FOIA Request to Town of Sparta regarding new or amended contracts on February 1, 2026.
On February 1, 2026, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Town of Sparta by Old North News. The request seeks access to records concerning new contracts and any amendments to existing contracts that were executed, approved, or became effective during the immediately preceding calendar month.
The requested records include several specific details: 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. This request is made under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. §132-1., with a preference for receiving these documents in electronic format.
Old North News has emphasized that this request is aimed at gathering information of public interest for dissemination purposes. It is specified that only existing records are sought and no creation of new documents is required. Should any part of this request be denied or withheld, Old North News has asked for the statutory basis for such denial and requests that all reasonably segregable portions be released.
The media organization also highlighted its role in holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given their position as a member of the media involved in news gathering and reporting, they have requested a fee waiver for accessing these public records.
For further context on their advocacy work related to governmental transparency, Old North News is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating state and federal agencies using FOIA 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.
