Gurnee OKs new social media policy

Gurnee village board trustees Monday night approved a formal policy governing the use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter when communicating with the public.

Management analyst Erik Jensen told the elected officials there is little case law regarding social media use by local governments, despite its growth. He said a written policy is a way a village such as Gurnee can clarify its social media goals and reduce potential liability.

“There are several communities in northern Illinois which are extensively using social media,” Jensen said.

Antioch, Grayslake, Naperville and Hoffman Estates are among the suburbs making more use of it, he said.

Gurnee village board members voted 5-0 in favor of a policy stating that the village will use social media as a supplementary resource for delivering information to businesses, residents and others in a timely manner.

“The village shall strictly prohibit the use of village social media accounts for the purposes of sharing personal opinions, highly subjective information or political campaigning,” the policy states.

Commenting options will not be offered on whatever social media Gurnee uses.

Village board agendas, meeting notices, crime alerts and answers to frequently asked questions will be among the type of information going out over social media. To a large extent, the social media outlets will provide links to Gurnee’s website for more information, according to the policy.

“It’s a good start,” Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik said.

Gurnee’s public information officer will be the primary administrator of the village’s official social media accounts.

Jensen said that with many new social media options popping up annually, the village should consider amending the policy periodically to reflect changes in its focus and new technology.