The Parker City Council convened on January 21, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on the establishment of a formal social media policy. The meeting highlighted the absence of a written policy, despite previous informal agreements among council members.

The discussion began with the acknowledgment of recent legal changes in Texas, mandating governmental entities to prohibit the use of TikTok on government-owned devices. This requirement extends to any software that may be added to a prohibited list by the governor. Council members expressed concerns about the implications of employees' social media use, both on and off duty, particularly regarding how personal opinions might conflict with city policies.

A notable point of contention was the monitoring of employees' social media activity. Council members questioned the feasibility of enforcing guidelines that would require oversight of personal accounts, especially when employees are not identifying themselves as city officials. The conversation also touched on the need for clarity regarding who is authorized to post on the city’s official social media channels, with estimates suggesting that around five to six employees currently have posting privileges.

The council debated the necessity of requiring written authorization for employees whose job responsibilities include social media posting. Some members argued that if posting is part of an employee's role, prior approval should be implicit in their job description. The discussion also raised concerns about outdated information on the city’s website, prompting a call for regular updates to ensure accuracy.

As the meeting progressed, council members examined the implications of personal social media use by employees, particularly regarding derogatory content that could reflect poorly on the city. The need for clear guidelines on this matter was emphasized, with suggestions to refine the language in the policy to distinguish between personal and official postings.

In conclusion, the Parker City Council's meeting underscored the complexities of developing a comprehensive social media policy that balances employee rights with the city's interests. The council plans to continue refining the policy, addressing concerns about monitoring, authorization, and the potential impact of personal social media use on the city’s reputation. Further discussions and revisions are expected in future meetings as the council seeks to finalize the policy framework.