FOIA Request to City of Bessemer regarding vendor payment registers on February 1, 2026.
The Gastonia Times has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Bessemer seeking access to the city’s vendor payment register for the preceding calendar month. The request was sent on February 1, 2026, under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. §132-1.
The records requested include detailed information about vendors paid by the city, including names, dates and amounts of payments, and descriptions of goods or services purchased. The request emphasizes that it seeks existing records only and does not require the creation of new documents. The Gastonia Times has asked for these records in electronic format if available.
In their request, Gastonia Times also noted their eligibility for a fee waiver as a media professional involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. They stressed that access to public records is crucial for holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency.
Additionally, it was mentioned that the requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws.
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.
