FOIA Request to City of Morganton regarding new or amended contracts on February 1, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted by Hickory Sun to the City of Morganton on February 1, 2026. The request seeks access to records concerning new contracts and amendments to existing contracts that were executed, approved, or became effective during the immediately preceding calendar month.
The request specifically asks for details including the title of each contract or amendment, names of contracting parties, effective and approval dates, contract amounts or amended values, and descriptions of the goods or services covered. The requester has emphasized that this information is sought for public interest purposes and is intended for dissemination to the public. The request is limited to records that currently exist and does not necessitate the creation of new documents.
Hickory Sun has requested that if any part of this request is denied or withheld, the City should provide a specific statutory basis for such denial while releasing all reasonably segregable portions of the records. Furthermore, they have expressed a preference for receiving these records in electronic format if available. As a member of the media involved in gathering and reporting news, Hickory Sun has also requested a fee waiver based on their role in providing transparency and holding public institutions accountable.
The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this organization can be found on their website here.
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.
