FOIA Request to Cherokee County regarding vendor payment registers on January 15, 2026.
On January 15, 2026, Nantahala News submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Cherokee County in North Carolina. The request seeks access to vendor payment registers maintained by the county for the period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. The requested records should include the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments, and descriptions of goods or services purchased.
The request was made under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. §132-1., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format. As part of their role in gathering and reporting news to the public, Nantahala News emphasized the importance of accessing public records to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency. They also requested a fee waiver based on their status as a media organization.
Nantahala News is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
In related educational news within Cherokee County, it was reported that out of 225 senior students taking the science portion of the ACT during the 2022-23 school year, only 41 students (18.2%) were considered ready for college.
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.
