FOIA Request to Washington County regarding vendor payment register on February 1, 2026.
On February 1, 2026, Old North News submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Washington County in North Carolina. The request seeks access to the county’s vendor payment register for the preceding calendar month. The information requested includes the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments, and descriptions of goods or services purchased.
The request was made under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. ยง132-1., with a preference for receiving the records in electronic format. Old North News emphasized that this request is intended to gather information of public interest for dissemination purposes and does not require the creation of new documents.
Old North News also highlighted its role as a media organization committed to holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency. As such, they have requested a fee waiver due to their status as a media professional.
Additionally, Old North News is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting news media companies and public advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
In related educational news from Washington County school districts, it was reported that out of 68 junior students taking the reading portion of the ACT during the 2022-23 school year, only six students (8.8%) 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.
