FOIA Request to Forsyth County regarding vendor payment registers on January 15, 2026.
On January 15, 2026, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Forsyth County by the Winston Salem Times. 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 details such as the names of vendors paid by the county, dates and amounts of payments, and descriptions of goods or services purchased.
The Winston Salem Times is a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. This request is made under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. ยง132-1., with a preference for receiving the information in electronic format. As part of their role in gathering and reporting news to the public, they emphasize that access to public records is crucial for holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency.
The requester has also noted their affiliation with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists 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 here.
Of particular interest is how Forsyth County’s financial transactions align with educational outcomes in the region. For instance, during the 2022-23 school year, only 23.4% of senior students taking the science portion of the ACT in Forsyth County school districts 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.
