Requests For Public Information And Documents 
Freedom Of Information Requests (FOIA)
Illinois Statute: 5 ILCS 140/3(c)

Most public information can be obtained upon request. However, there are times when a Freedom of Information Request Form (FOIA) is required to obtain information.

Once you have submitted a FOIA Request, you will receive a reply within seven (7) business days. In some instances, a fourteen (14) business day response may be necessary. A statutory fee of $.50 per page will be charged for all requests containing five or more pages. All responses will be provided via U.S. Mail unless arranged otherwise.

A FOIA request form is available through the Law Department, City Hall Annex, 1616 - 6th Avenue. Contact Heather Oepping at (309) 524-2015.  Forms are also available at the City Clerk's office, 619 – 16th Street. Phone: (309) 524-2004, or by clicking here.


Below is a list of documents/information that would require submission of a Freedom of Information Request form:
Police Reports
City issued licenses (licensee name, business address)
Water Bill, if the requester’s name is not the name on the bill

Below is a list of popular public documents that would not require submission of a Freedom of Information Request form:

• *Elected Officials’ names, address & phone numbers

• *Code of Ordinances

• *Council Meeting Agendas

• *Council Meeting Minutes (Excluding Non-released Closed Session Minutes)

• *Boards & Commissions Meeting Agendas

• *Boards & Commission Minutes

• *Council Bills (Legislative Action)

• *Committee members - names only

• Building Permits (residential & commercial) (per approval of Building Official or designee that propriety/security info is not released)

• Current Uniform Codes - review only

(*) This information is available on the city’s website.