Social Media Policy

Objectives  

The City of Merriam endorses the secure use of social media accounts and channels as a public service to encourage the communication of relevant information, increased transparency, and interaction with residents. For the purposes of this policy, social media means any facility for online publication and commentary; this includes without limitation the usage of social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor, and content hosting sites such as YouTube.  

The purpose of this policy is to set out the goals, procedures, and policies by which the City will communicate.  

As the number of ways in which our residents can obtain information continues to expand, it is important to the City of Merriam that we continue to update and expand our methods of communication to reach our audiences. In order to achieve this goal, the City of Merriam will strive to: 

  • Establish consistent messaging throughout all City communications channels.  

  • Disseminate information through a wide variety of channels.  

  • Maximize opportunities for community engagement while maintaining a welcoming and appropriate space.  

  • Build community awareness of City services and programs.  

  • Position the City’s communication channels and tools as the most timely and accurate source of information.  

A. GENERAL POLICIES 

Application  

The City of Merriam social media pages exist to provide residents and stakeholders with information about the City of Merriam and its departments, programs, services, and other relevant events. City staff shall ensure that the use of social media is done in a manner that protects the constitutional rights of all and abides by City policy.  

The City of Merriam does not guarantee that comments posted after business hours will be reviewed before the next business day. Communications made on a City of Merriam social media site shall in no way constitute legal communication or notice.  

Public Record  

All social media content posted by the City is public and subject to disclosure pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). All external comments and content posted to City social media are also considered public and subject to disclosure pursuant to KORA.  

External Content  

The City of Merriam is not responsible for the accuracy or content of external posts, ads, videos, or comments shared on or linked from its social media pages. These do not reflect the City’s views and do not imply endorsement. Responsibility remains with the original source.  

Content Removal  

We encourage public engagement with the City of Merriam’s social media accounts. While we believe that our residents will have differing opinions on any given topic, posts and/or comments may be hidden at the sole discretion of the City if they: 

  • Contain profane, obscene, or pornographic language or content.  

  • Contain harassing or discriminatory comments on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, military status, genetic information, marital or familial status, or other legally protected classifications.  

  • Solicit commerce, donations, or advertisements including promotion or endorsement.  

  • Contain political campaign material (including endorsements of candidates or ballot measures).  

  • Encourage illegal activity including violence.  

  • Contain information that may compromise the safety or security of the public, public systems, city employees or officials.  

  • Contain impertinent, slanderous, or defamatory remarks or threats against any person, group, or organization.  

  • Violate a legal ownership interest of any other party, including a trademark, or the disclosure of proprietary information.  

  • Disclose private information such as addresses, phone numbers or Social Security numbers.  

  • Contain content not related to the post topic. 

 

 

Adopted by Merriam City Council on Nov. 10, 2025. 

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