A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Pepin County, Wisconsin, regarding vendor payments on September 26, 2024. The request was made by WC Wisconsin News, a media organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
In the request, WC Wisconsin News sought records under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, §19.31 et seq., specifically requesting a list of all payments made to vendors from January 1, 2024 till September 26, 2024. The requested data fields include the vendor name, transaction date, transaction description, and the amount paid.
As a media organization committed to transparency and accountability in public institutions, we believe access to such public records is crucial for fulfilling our professional responsibilities. We aim to use this information to provide an informed view of how taxpayer money is being spent in Pepin County.
The request also highlighted that as members of the media involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
We await response from Pepin County and will continue our efforts in ensuring transparency in local government spending.
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