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Escambia Commissioners To Consider Policy Governing Their Internet Communications
December 9, 2024
The Escambia County Commission is set to discuss a technology policy this week that would govern commissioners’ use of internet communications. The draft policy is being brought the board at the request of Commissioner Mike Kohler.
A previous technology policy for commissioners was rescinded by the board in May 2019.
“The purpose of this policy is to establish rules for how the County Commissioners communicate about County business in order to promote public trust, maintain the reputation and goodwill of Escambia County government, and ensure compliance with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law and the Public Records Act,” the new draft policy states. The BOCC will discuss the policy at their meeting on Thursday.
If the draft policy is approved, commissioners won’t be able to have a social media presence, a blog, or similar communications for county business. County business would be limited to email.
Commissioners would be allowed to post a comment or response on a third party website or social media account, unless it is is response to another commissioner, as long as they forward a copy of hte comment to a county-maintained email account.
The use of text messaging or other instant communication would be “discouraged”, regardless of ownership of the device, and encouraging to disable text or other instant messaging on a county-owned devices. If they do use text or other messaging, they would be required to forward a copy of the communication to a county-maintained email account or otherwise retain copies in order to comply with Sunshine Law.
Commissioners would not use private email accounts to conduct county business, forwarding any such emails received from their personal email to a county email. Likewise, they would not use county email for personal business.
During a board meeting, commissioners would not be allowed to use cell phones, computers or other device to transmit any message or email during a board meeting, regardless of who owns the device. They could sue a device for personal emergencies, wbut would be required to leave the board chamber or room where a meeting was being held.
Comments
5 Responses to “Escambia Commissioners To Consider Policy Governing Their Internet Communications”
Commissioner Kohler, this is Totally Supported by me and the family and friends.
Thank you for working to restore the Public Faith in our Escambia Board of County Commissioners, It is bothersome to be watching your meetings and have Commissioners with their faces buried in laptops or phones while in session. That is so annoying and an affront to we who the Comissioners are to represent.
We really like having you on the Board, Thank you.
It’s sad that it’s come to this in local politics. But it’s a reality. Our commissioners have lost public trust and transparency . No more side bets and backroom deals.
Some good stuff and some questionable stuff, I think.
Why not allow them to have dedicated social media or web sites that ARE backed up on county servers? Communication is key to establishing public trust.
Why not require them to use county phones for county business that ARE backed up by the county servers?
The no communicating digitally during meetings is an EXCELLENT move! Be present in the meeting and pay attention! Plenty of time for ex parte communication later.
No using personal email: great!
How about no using personal phones: better!
I give Mr. Kohler props for bringing this up for discussion.
I’m WAITING for Ms. Hofberger to bring up HELPING EMS and incorrect info about bonuses and ambulance purchases didn’t count!!!
Stiffle the commissioners. Limit where they can express their views.
Seems reasonable to me, this should cut down on the perceived sunshine law violations. It will help keep honest people honest.