A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the City of Decatur Finance Department regarding sales tax records on October 25, 2024. The request was made by us at Macon Reporter, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
In our pursuit of transparency and accountability, we requested specific details about the sales tax collected from retailers since the beginning of the year until the present date. We are particularly interested in comparing the actual sales tax collected each month with projected figures.
Additionally, we have asked for information about the number of active retail locations paying sales tax each month. This data will help us understand the economic activity in Decatur and its potential impact on public finances.
Furthermore, we have requested names of each retailer and their gross retail sales reported for each month. This information is crucial in assessing individual contributions to local revenue and identifying any significant changes or trends over time.
As part of our commitment to transparency and public accountability, we believe that access to these records is essential for fulfilling our professional responsibilities. We continue to work towards holding public institutions accountable and providing comprehensive information to our readers.
The City of Decatur Finance Department has yet to respond to our request. We remain hopeful that they will provide this important information soon so that we can continue reporting on matters that directly affect our community.