Citizen Access

The purpose of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and sunshine laws is to increase the openness of government.

On a national level, President Lyndon Johnson signed the federal Freedom of Information Act on July 4, 1966. On a local level, each state has its own open records legislation that governs documents at the state and local (cities, counties, school districts) levels.

Items Subject to FOIA

  • Fiscal Year 2024 Employee Compensation Packages above $75,000 - View the current budgeted employee compensation packages (PDF) above $75,000 in compliance with Illinois Public Act 097-0609.
  • Total Compensation Packages by employee are available in our Archive Center.
  • Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) - Public Act 101-0504 requires IMRF to provide Employer Cost & Participation Information for IMRF Members, IMRF Employers, Public Officials, and Media and General Public.
  • Public Meetings, Agendas, and Minutes - The current City Council Agenda and Past Agendas, Audio Recordings, Minutes, Hearings, and listings of all Public City Meetings can be found in the Boards and Commissions Section.
  • Budgets / Audits - The City of Carbondale displays the current operating budget and the previous year’s audited financial statement in the Financial Overview Section. Questions regarding City Finances may be addressed to the Finance Director.
  • Online Check Registry - The Mayor and City Council approve all expenditures for the City of Carbondale. Multiple expenses are compiled into groups referred to as warrants. Warrants are approved for payment during regular City Council meetings. View a registry of the current and previous fiscal year warrants.
  • Open Meetings Act (OMA) - The City of Carbondale falls under the provisions of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. All Council and subsidiary board, commission, and committee meetings are open to the public. Meeting notices are provided to the news media at least 48 hours before. Upcoming meetings are also published on CityVision 16 and the City’s website calendar. Questions regarding the Open Meetings Act may be addressed to the City Clerk.
  • Elected Officials - All elected officials’ names and contact information are on the City Officials page.
  • Administrative Officials - All administrators’ and managers’ contact information is displayed in the City Staff Directory.
  • Performance Reports - The performance report illustrates progress made each fiscal year for Carbondale’s City government departments. The report also points out areas that show the need for improvement.
  • Ethics - The City of Carbondale promotes itself and does business following a code of ethics in the Carbondale Revised Code.
  • Contracts / Bids - For more information on contracts, bids, and open market procedures, see sections 1-6-13 and 1-6-14 in the Carbondale Revised Code. Questions regarding contracts and bids may be addressed to the City’s Purchasing/Risk Management Specialist. View a list of current awarded bids and bids before May 2018.
    • The City of Carbondale negotiates five contracts with bargaining units and has one Non-Bargaining Unit within the City employee structure. View these contracts.
  • Lobbying - The Mayor and City Council monitor local, state, and federal legislation to stay abreast of issues that may affect the community. The Mayor is the official spokesperson for all political and legislative affairs in the City. The City of Carbondale is a dues-paying member of numerous associations that may conduct legislative advocacy initiatives at the state and federal levels. These associations include the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, and the Illinois Municipal League.
  • Public Records - The City of Carbondale falls under the provisions of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Persons wishing to view or obtain copies of City records should submit a written request to the City Clerk’s Office. The City has five working days to provide the records; however, certain records are exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, in which the requester will be explained the denial.
  • Forms / Applications / Permits - A complete listing of permits and applications and City Permits for the Building and Neighborhood Services Division can be found online.
  • Zoning - Questions about zoning can be addressed to the Development Services Department.
  • Taxes - The City of Carbondale collects various taxes and fees (i.e., sales tax, utility tax, user and registration fees) to fund the general operation of the government. The City is one of only a few in Illinois that does not collect property tax for general government purposes. Information concerning the revenue sources of the City of Carbondale may be found in Section 3 - Major Revenue Sources (PDF) of the Annual Budget. The Supplemental Section (PDF) shows a breakdown of applicable taxes.
  • Municipal Code - The Carbondale Revised Code is maintained by American Legal Publishing. Once a City Ordinance is amended or added, the City Clerk’s Office submits changes to be codified.
  • Privacy - The City has created a privacy policy to demonstrate our firm and continuing commitment to the confidentiality of personal information. We hold the privacy of your personal information in the highest regard.
  • Public Service Announcements - The City of Carbondale utilizes social media, Daily News and Press Releases, CityVision 16, and the Carbondale Police Department to help keep citizens informed.
  • Website Development - This website was designed under contract with CivicPlus, approved by the City Council, for $39,524.10.