Commissioners ask attorney to soften social media and texting restrictions in technology policy draft

Escambia County commissioners debated revisions to a draft county technology and social media policy, asking the county attorney to soften language that would bar personal social-media comments about county business and to clarify guidance about text messaging and public-records obligations.

One commissioner said elected officials should be able to reply to residents and post personal opinions on personal social media accounts so long as confidential information is not disclosed. “We should be able to do that on our personal page,” a commissioner said, adding that officials must avoid releasing confidential information but should be able to communicate with the public via platforms such as Facebook.

County Attorney Allison explained two distinct issues: etiquette for public meetings and the public-records implications of electronic communication. “For purposes of public records, if you're doing things on your devices, you're responsible for their retention,” Allison said. She offered to redraft the policy to reflect commissioners’ requests and to distribute an updated version during the day for possible consideration at the next meeting.

Commissioners also questioned language discouraging text messaging for county business, noting that texting is commonly used and can be necessary for timely communications. Members suggested clarifying that texts are permissible for routine or emergency communications but that public-records responsibilities apply.

The board did not adopt a final policy at this meeting but directed counsel to make edits and return an updated draft. The county attorney said she would circulate revisions during the day and include them in the meeting backup materials.