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Benton City council debates online misinformation, plans clearer city communications and recognizes donated veterans sign
Summary
Council members discussed steps to counter misinformation on local Facebook pages — proposing non‑commentable official posts, QC before posting and greater use of the chamber — and publicly thanked Steve Epperson and Pat Carty for donating and installing a veterans recognition sign by the flagpole.
At the March 18 meeting the Benton City Council spent substantial time discussing misinformation circulating on social‑media pages about new businesses, a splash pad and other local developments and considered how the city should respond.
A council member said residents were seeing speculation and falsehoods on Facebook and urged the city to post clear, factual updates on its official website and Facebook page so citizens would have a reliable source. "We need to put out some of this information," the council member said, noting that most residents do not read minutes and that posting straightforward updates could reduce bickering.
Jenny, code enforcement and animal control, recommended posting factual updates but disabling comments on city posts to prevent escalation: "If the city posts something, we can put no comments. People can't comment on it. Just lock it up. Put the information out there," she said.
Eric cautioned about First Amendment limits: "If you open it, you're stuck with it. If not, you're much better off, obviously, because you can't base it on the content," he said, recommending a review and quality‑control process so multiple staff check posts before publication. Council members agreed to explore options for posting business‑permit news, grant updates and project milestones and to coordinate with the chamber of commerce on business announcements.
Separately under miscellaneous council discussion staff recognized a local resident, Steve Epperson, and Pat Carty for donating and installing a veterans recognition sign near the flagpole; staff said photos are posted on the city website and will be shared on Facebook.
Council also agreed to advertise an open council seat after a member moved out of town and set a goal of returning with applicants by the council’s second meeting next month.
The council did not take any formal regulatory action on social‑media policy at the meeting but directed staff to improve public information flow and to implement review processes before posting.
