FOIA Request to Pender County regarding new or amended contracts for 2024 on January 16, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Pender County, North Carolina, by SE North Carolina News on January 16, 2026. The request seeks access to records of newly executed contracts or amendments entered into by the county between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. The focus is on contracts related to public works, information technology or digital services, and consulting or professional services.
The request specifies that it applies only to existing records and asks for copies of signed contracts or amendments executed during the specified period. The requester has expressed a preference for receiving these documents in electronic format where possible.
SE North Carolina News is a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. The request highlights the importance of access to public records in fulfilling their professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for the public. As a member of the media, they have requested a fee waiver due to their role in disseminating information.
Additionally, the requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that assists media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this organization can be found at https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Of note in Pender County’s educational sector: Of 722 senior students taking the science portion of the ACT in Pender County school districts, 194 (26.9%) were considered ready for college in the 2022-23 school year.
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.