It is the public policy of this State that public bodies exist to aid in the conduct of the people’s business and that the people have a right to be informed as to the conduct of their business.

Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/1

Pursuant to the fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional form of government, it is declared to be the public policy of the State of Illinois that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees consistent with the terms of this Act. Such access is necessary to enable the people to fulfill their duties of discussing public issues fully and freely, making informed political judgments and monitoring government to ensure that it is being conducted in the public interest.

Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1

Edgar County believes that an open, honest and accountable government, the cornerstone of a democracy, can be achieved only through the free and open exchange of information between government and the public. In Illinois, our most important transparency laws the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Open Meetings Act (OMA) endeavor to open the workings of government to the public, shed light on government actions and, in the process, strengthen our democracy.

In 2009, legislators and open government advocates to drafted and passed landmark legislation (Senate Bill 189, Public Act 096-0542) to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act to increase the transparency and accountability of governments at all levels. This new law went into effect on January 1, 2010 and provides new tools and provisions to make certain the public has timely access to public records and public meetings.

We look forward to working with you to enforce the transparency laws and ensure that our government is open, accessible and accountable to all the people of Edgar County.