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Council adopts amended social media policy after committee debate over "friending" non-city accounts
Summary
The council approved amendments to Administrative Policy No. 60 clarifying how city-managed accounts interact with partner organizations, businesses and individuals; one alderperson voiced concerns about liability from following non-city accounts.
The Verona Common Council on Aug. 25 approved amendments to Administrative Policy No. 60, the city’s social media policy, clarifying how city-managed accounts may interact with partner government agencies, partner organizations and businesses.
The amended policy bars connections with individual personal or politically affiliated social media accounts but allows authorized users to thank individuals, organizations or businesses for donations of time, money, goods or services supporting the city’s work. The policy changes were unanimously recommended by the Personnel Committee.
Alder Tucker Long, the sole committee member who voted against the provision in committee, told the council he opposed allowing city accounts to friend or follow non-city accounts because hacks or reputational issues could create liability or public confusion. Alder Helmke and other council members said the updates provided needed clarity for staff and that the policy should allow department accounts — for example the senior center — to connect with service providers they routinely promote. The motion passed with a council voice vote.
