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Brownsburg trains boards on media, social media and legal compliance
Summary
Town communications and legal staff told board and commission members not to comment on active cases before public hearings, identified official town spokespeople, and reviewed open-door law notice and public-records responsibilities.
Town staff used the special training session to provide practical guidance on media interactions, social-media conduct and legal obligations for board and commission members.
Community Relations Senior Manager Shelby Abner advised that if a board member is approached by a reporter about an active case "this is all you need to say" — that the matter is an active case and members should not comment prior to the public hearing to preserve fairness. She said the town council president, town manager and the community relations manager serve as the official local spokespeople and that staff will designate a designee if needed. Abner also warned that official social-media comments on town business are part of the public record and cannot be deleted when made in an official capacity.
Town Attorney Scott Croft reviewed conflict-of-interest procedures, noting disclosure forms filed with the state board of accounts are submitted to the clerk-treasurer and acknowledged by council in open session. He emphasized the statutory components of official misconduct and advised caution in gray-area situations, and he reminded attendees that meeting notices typically require at least 48 hours' coordination and that some public hearings require a 10-day notice published in a newspaper.
Both presenters framed their advice as protecting the fairness of public processes and reducing legal risk; no disciplinary actions or case-specific advice were given during the session.
