FOIA Request to Watauga County regarding new or amended contracts on January 16, 2026.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Watauga County, North Carolina, seeking copies of all newly executed contracts or amendments entered into by the county between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. The request specifically targets contracts in the areas of public works, information technology or digital services, and consulting or professional services. The requester prefers these records in electronic format where possible.
The request was made under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. §132-1., which allows for public access to government records. The requester is affiliated with High Country Times, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs. The request emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in public institutions and suggests that a fee waiver should be granted due to the requester’s role as a media professional.
Additionally, the requester is associated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website at https://stopsecrecy.org/about/.
Of note within Watauga County’s educational context is that out of 335 senior students taking the science portion of the ACT in Watauga County school districts during the 2022-23 school year, only 121 students (36.1%) were considered ready for college.
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.
