FOIA Request to Edgecombe County regarding vendor payment register on February 1, 2026.
A request for public records was submitted to Edgecombe County by Rocky Mount Today, a media organization dedicated to covering local governmental affairs. The request, sent under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. §132-1., seeks access to the county’s vendor payment register for the previous calendar month.
The specific details requested include the names of vendors paid by the county, the dates and amounts of payments made, and descriptions of goods or services purchased. The request emphasizes that it is limited to existing records and does not necessitate the creation of new documents.
Rocky Mount Today expressed a preference for receiving these records in electronic format if available. In addition, they requested that any denial or withholding of information be accompanied by a specific statutory basis for such action, along with all reasonably segregable portions of the records.
The media organization also highlighted its role in holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public as part of its professional responsibilities. As such, they believe they qualify for a fee waiver typically granted to media professionals.
This request is supported by The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids news media companies and 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/.
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.
