NW Illinois News

FOIA Request to Whiteside County regarding tax relief requests for veterans with disabilities on June 10, 2025.

On June 10, 2025, NW Illinois News submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Whiteside County in Illinois. The request seeks detailed records related to property tax relief and exemptions granted to veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses for the tax year 2024 onwards.

The request specifically asks for documents showing individuals who have requested or received various forms of property tax relief. These include Property Tax Relief as a Veteran with a Disability or as a Surviving Spouse of a Disabled Veteran, Specially Adapted Housing Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-165, Standard Homestead Exemption for Veterans with Disabilities under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-169, and Returning Veteran’s Homestead Exemption under statute 35 ILCS 200/15-172.

NW Illinois News emphasizes the importance of accessing these public records to ensure transparency and accountability within public institutions. As members of the media, they assert that access to such information is crucial for their role in disseminating news and informing the public about governmental affairs. They also mention their affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, an organization dedicated to promoting transparency through FOIA requests.

Whiteside County is home to approximately 8,210 students enrolled across its schools, supported by 610 full-time faculty members. The average student-to-teacher ratio in the county was reported as 14-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year.

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.