Diana Merdian, Mayor at City of Sterling | https://www.sterling-il.gov/
Diana Merdian, Mayor at City of Sterling | https://www.sterling-il.gov/
FOIA Request to City of Sterling regarding vendor payment registers on November 10, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by NW Illinois News to the City of Sterling on November 10, 2025. The request seeks access to existing vendor payment registers maintained by the city for the period from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. Specifically, the records requested include details such as the names of vendors paid by the city, dates and amounts of payments made, and descriptions or purposes of goods and services provided.
The request emphasizes that it is strictly for records that already exist and does not seek the creation of new documents. As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, NW Illinois News aims to use this information to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency to the public.
In accordance with their role in gathering and reporting news, NW Illinois News has requested a fee waiver under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, citing their eligibility as a media professional. Additionally, they are affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through FOIA requests.
For more information about The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy's mission and activities, visit their website at https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
We look forward to receiving this information in an electronic format as it will greatly aid in our reporting efforts. As always, we remain open for any questions or clarifications regarding this request.
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