Palmyra council records that members' posts are personal, not official

Palmyra Borough Council voted to put on the record that the borough does not operate or maintain any official social media accounts and that opinions expressed on individual council members' pages are not borough policy. The motion, read into the record by the meeting chair, was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.

The motion was introduced after a formal complaint about a council member's social media posts. One councilor pointed to Marcus Riddell's profile, which includes a disclaimer stating posts are personal. That councilor said the disclaimer undercuts the need for a separate council resolution but others argued a formal statement protects the borough and future council members from misattribution. “Any opinions expressed by or through individual borough council members' social media accounts are not authorized by Palmyra Borough Council and are not official policy statements or actions of the borough of Palmyra,” the chair read as the suggested motion.

Supporters said the motion clarifies the borough's position for residents and future candidates; critics said labeling on individual pages already accomplishes the same transparency. Council discussion noted member behavior such as blocking users and whether that is a personnel or private matter. The motion was recorded as moved by Nancy and seconded; the meeting minutes record a voice vote approving the statement.

The council did not take up disciplinary or personnel action in this session. The record shows the council intended the statement to be prospective — a protection for the borough going forward rather than a punitive step in the present complaint.

The council adjourned public comment and moved on to budget and procurement items after the vote.