PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the utilization of social media platforms for the Township to communicate with the public. POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of Howell Township that social media platforms will be utilized to enhance communication, collaboration and information exchange with the public in support of the goals and objectives of the Township. The po
licies and procedures contained within are to establish guidelines to promote the effective, efficient, and orderly use of social media platforms to promote accurate and reliable communication with the public. Establishment of Township Social Media Sites -The Township's official website shall remain the Township's
primary means of communication. Whenever possible, postings to social media platforms should link to
information readily available on the Township website.
1. The establishment of Township social media sites is subject to the approval of the Township Social Media
Committee (“Committee”) which shall be made up of the Supervisor, Clerk, and Treasurer. The Committee
will have full access and rights to all Township social media pages.
2. Administrative access to Township social media accounts will be limited to the Committee and the
Administrator.
3. Township social media sites shall clearly state that such sites are maintained by the Township to the extent
possible.
4. Township social media sites shall be managed consistent with the Open
Meetings Act. Elected officials and administrative staff shall not deliberate Township matters through
commenting or blogging on Township social media sites.
5. Township social media sites will comply with usage rules and regulations
required by the site provider, including privacy policies.
6. All Township social media sites shall adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and
policies.
7. Any content maintained on a
Township social media site that is related to Township business, including a list of subscribers, posted
communication, and communication submitted for posting may be considered a public record and subject
to public disclosure
8. The Committee reserves the right to terminate any Township social media site at any time without notice. Approved Social Media Platforms - Any social media platforms must be approved by the Committee. Content Guidelines -The goal of the Township's social media sites is to serve as an online information source
focused on Township issues, projects, news, and events and is not intended as a public forum. Whenever
possible, social media will link to information readily available on the Township’s official website.
1. The content of Township social media site shall pertain to Township related or sponsored/supported news,
issues, programs, meetings, services and events. Content can include, but is not limited to information,
photographs, videos, and hyperlinks.
2. The Township shall have full permission or rights to any content posted by the Township, including
photographs and videos.
3. Postings shall only contain information that is freely available to the public and not be confidential as
defined by any Township policy or state or federal law.
4. Postings may not contain any personal information, except for the names of employees whose job duties
include being available for contact by the public.
5. Any employee authorized to post items on any of the Township social media sites shall review, be familiar
with, and comply with the social media site's use policies terms and conditions.
6. Any employee authorized to post items on any of the Township's social media sites shall not express his or
her own personal views or concerns through such postings. All postings on any Township media site shall
reflect only official goals, objectives, policies and views of the Township.
7. Any post to a Township social media site shall require authorization by a Township Department Head prior to
posting.
8. Township social media sites may contain content including, but not limited to, advertisements and hyperlinks
over which the Township has no control. The Township does not endorse any content placed on Township
social media sites by the site's owners, vendors, or partners.
9. The Township reserves the right to implement or remove any functionality
of its social media site. This includes, but is not limited to, information, articles, pictures, videos, comments,
or any other form of communication that is posted on a Township social media site. D. Administration/Monitoring Guidelines - A successful social media site requires frequent attention. Each
social media site requires a main administrator who is responsible for monitoring the site on a regular basis
and sustaining the page long term. The Committee will also designate a back-up administrator in the
primary administrator's absence.
1. Employees representing the Township on social media sites shall conduct themselves at all times as a
professional representative of the Township in accordance with all Township policies. Social media posts
should be made utilizing proper grammar and avoid utilizing jargon and abbreviations. While social media
can be less formal than other means of communication, posts to social media should still represent the
Township in a positive manner. E. Regulation
1. Enforcement of Policy
a. The Committee shall be responsible for the oversight of the provisions contained within this policy. b. The Committee shall be responsible for the implementation of the provisions contained within this policy.
2. Adoption/Amendment of Policy
The Township Board of Trustees shall be responsible for the adoption and amendment of this policy. THIS POLICY WAS ADOPTED BY THE HOWELL TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON FEBRUARY 10, 2025 AND SIGNED BY SUE DAUS, HOWELL TOWNSHIP CLERK. FOR A SIGNED COPY OF THIS POLICY CONTACT HOWELL TOWNSHIP CLERK AT 517-546-2817 EXT 106 OR [email protected]
PER HOWELL TOWNSHIP'S SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY, COMMENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON POSTS.
