South West Illinois News

FOIA Request to City of Columbia regarding a list of city employees on August 21, 2025.

A request was made by SW Illinois News under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) for a comprehensive list of all employees working for the City of Columbia. The request specifically asks for detailed information about each employee, including their full name, sex, race, job title, department or division, annual salary or hourly rate if applicable, and hire or start date. The requester has expressed a preference for receiving this information in electronic format.

The request is part of SW Illinois News's ongoing efforts to provide accurate and thorough news coverage concerning local governmental affairs. Access to such public records is crucial for media professionals who are tasked with holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency. The requester has also indicated that they are eligible for a fee waiver due to their role as a member of the media.

Additionally, the requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization based in Missouri. This organization supports media companies and advocacy groups in investigating state and federal government agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.

In Illinois, pet owners must have a license for certain pets, like dogs, and comply with state and local regulations. These licenses are defined in the Illinois Animal Welfare Act and must comply with the Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Rules. The pet license typically involves a fee and must be renewed periodically. Licensing supports animal control and health programs and helps ensure that pets have the correct vaccinations, especially against deadly and highly contagious diseases like rabies.

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.