Rock Island Today

FOIA Request to Silvis City regarding city employees list on August 21, 2025.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the City of Silvis, Illinois, by Rock Island Today, a media organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. The request, sent on August 21, 2025, seeks a detailed list of all city employees. The requested information includes each employee's full name, sex, race, job title, department or division, annual salary or hourly rate if applicable, and hire or start date.

The request was made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), with a preference for receiving the data in electronic format. Rock Island Today emphasizes that access to such public records is crucial for their role in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for the public. Given their status as a media organization involved in disseminating information to the public, they have requested a fee waiver.

The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization based in Missouri. This coalition assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies using Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws to enhance transparency and inform the American electorate. More details about this coalition can be found on their website: https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.

In Illinois, pet owners must have a license for certain pets like dogs and comply with state and local regulations. These licenses are defined in the Illinois Animal Welfare Act and must comply with the Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Rules. The pet license typically involves a fee and must be renewed periodically. Licensing supports animal control and health programs and helps ensure that pets have the correct vaccinations, especially against deadly and highly contagious diseases like rabies.

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.