ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY CITY OF BOGATA-TEXAS SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
- Purpose 1.1. The purpose of this policy is to establish standards and procedures governing the official use of social media by the City of Bogata. The City shall maintain one official social media account, authorized by the City Council, which shall operate as a limited public forum used exclusively for distributing official information, supporting municipal operations, and enhancing public awareness. The City’s social media presence shall not serve as a platform for two-way communication with the public. 1.2. To ensure efficient use of City resources and to maintain focus on official duties, the City has determined that social media best serves the public when used strictly as a one-directional informational outlet. The City does not employ dedicated social media staff to monitor or respond to public activity, nor is coverage available during evenings, weekends, or holidays. Responding to comments or messages would require staff review and routing to appropriate Department, creating delays and inefficiencies. Therefore, all interactive features-including public commenting, replies, direct messaging, or public posting-shall be disabled for all users. 1.3. Each post made by the city shall include accurate contact information for the relevant City department responsible for the subject matter, providing the public with an appropriate channel for follow-up inquiries.
- Authorization and Administration
2.1. The City’s social media account must be: a. Authorized and approved by the City Council; b. Established and maintained only on platforms approved by the City; c. Managed solely by personnel designated by the City Council. 2.2. No City department, department head, employee may create, operate, or maintain any additional social media accounts representing the City or any City function without explicit written authorization from the City Council. 2.3. Only authorized personnel may create, post, or manage content on the official City social media account. Authorized personnel shall not block users or restrict access to City-posted content.
2.4. All content must be reviewed and approved by personnel designated by the City to ensure compliance with this Policy and all applicable laws.
- Legal Compliance and Records Management 3.1. All social media content disseminated by the City is subject to federal, state, and local laws, including the Texas Open Records Act, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and applicable records retention requirements. 3.2. All content posted by the City shall be retained in accordance with approved records retention schedules and preserved in a format that maintains authenticity and accessibility. 3.3. The City’s social media account shall clearly disclose that it is an official source of City information and that all posted content may be subject to public disclosure. 3.4. All mechanisms for public commenting, messaging, or any form of two-way interaction shall remain disabled.
- Content Standards 4.1. The City’s official social media account shall include a prominently displayed disclaimer stating: a. The account is operated by the City of Bogata as a limited public forum for the sole purpose of distributing official information; b. Public commenting and messaging are disabled for all users and are not monitored; c. Members of the public may contact the City using the information provided in each post or through contact information available on the City’s official website. 4.2. All posted content shall: a. Relate directly to City services, initiatives, events, or emergency information;
b. Be factual, accurate, and free from personal opinion; c. Include the name, telephone number, and/or email address of the appropriate City department or official. 4.3. The following categories of content are strictly prohibited:
a. Obscene, profane, or defamatory material; b. Content promoting discrimination based on protected classes;
c. Sexual content or links to sexual content; d. Commercial solicitations or advertisements; e. Encouragement or depiction of unlawful activity;
f. Information compromising public safety or security; g. Content infringing on intellectual property rights; h. Political content, including endorsements or opposition to candidates, campaigns, or ballot measures; i. False, misleading, or unverified information.
- Miscellaneous 5.1. All personnel authorized to manage the City’s social media account shall receive training on this Policy, including legal obligations and content standards. 5.2. Employees representing the City on social media must conduct themselves professionally and in accordance with all applicable City policies. 5.3. Violations of this Policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, consistent with City disciplinary procedures.
- Personal Social Media Accounts of Elected Officials 6.1. Creation of City Records Elected officials create a City record when they discuss City of Bogata business on a personal social me’1ia platform. Such posts, comments, or messages must be preserved in accordance with applicable records retention laws, as they are subject to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act.
6.2. Avoiding Open Meetings Act Violations Elected officials should exercise caution when posting about City business on personal social media accounts. Discussions involving a quorum of the City Council-whether through comments, replies, or shared posts-may constitute an unlawful deliberation under the Texas Open Meetings Act.
6.3. Professional Conduct and Public Representation Elected officials are encouraged to use respectful, professional language when discussing public matters online. As visible representatives of the City, officials serve as role models for civic engagement and public discourse.
6.4. Distinguishing Personal Views from Official City Positions Elected officials must not represent, imply, or suggest that opinions expressed on personal social media accounts constitute official positions of the City of Bogata. Only statements formally adopted or issued by the City Council or authorized City personnel may be presented as official City communications.
- Effective Date 7.1. This Administrative Regulation becomes effective on April 6, 2026, and supersedes all prior versions of the City’s Social Media Policy.
Adoption and Signature Adopted by the City Council of the City of Bogata, Texas, on this 6th day of April, 2026.
Larry Hinsley, Mayor
City of Bogata