Sussex to Embrace Social Media

Sussex administrators are looking to social media to get more information to residents in a more timely fashion.

The village’s Finance Committee Tuesday approved guidelines for the use of social media by village staff. The guidelines next go to the Village Board for approval.

“It would be a positive experience for us and a way for us to communicate quickly with residents,” said Melissa Weiss, assistant to the village administrator.

Although it is common for local governments to use social media to share information with their communities, Weiss said guidelines are needed so rules are in place about what can be posted on the village accounts.

The village plans to use Facebook and Twitter to post messages about village happenings, cancellations and other news residents might find useful. The sites will be updated by Weiss and staff members with the village parks and recreation and fire departments.

Weiss said the parks and fire departments could have their own separate Facebook or Twitter accounts in the future.

Although the technology is free, the village will need to pay $280 to a separate company to keep screenshots from the accounts in order to comply with state open records laws.