May 4, 2023
UPDATE FROM THE MAYOR
I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about the need for everyone to subscribe to updates and alerts the City Website and to follow the City Facebook page. As two very recent examples highlight, the need to distribute information by the City is critical for information and safety. The City will post information on both sites and the information can be very time sensitive. In most cases, there are those that will “share” the City information on several different social media outlets, but any comments or questions, are not monitored by the City staff. Individuals then take it upon themselves to begin adding comments and providing information which isn’t always accurate or current.
Last week the City announced the information that there would be fireworks on April 29th as part of a training course provided by Victory Pyrotechnics. This information was distributed to alert the community so they could enjoy the event, as well as making everyone aware, because not everyone enjoys fireworks, and advanced notice is important for the sake of pet owners and individuals who don’t appreciate surprise noises. When the fireworks begin, social media blew up with questions and comments about what was going on, with comments like, “if only the City would keep folks informed.”
Yesterday afternoon the City experienced a major water main break. The information was immediately released on the City sites, which in turn was also shared on other sites. With the need for everyone to understand where and who would be affected by the impact of water boiling, updates were, and continue to be provided. During this event there was also confusion and conflicting information being passed around. In a safety matter such as this, everyone needs immediate and correct information. If you were set up to receive information from the City sites, you could remain current.
I strongly encourage everyone who lives within the City and those that are affected by the happenings within the City, to sign up to receive up to date information from City Website and Facebook. We understand that not everyone follows social media, but in the world we live in, communication via social media is the fastest way to disseminate information and the City can only be responsible for the information it puts out directly. As the Mayor, members of Council, and the City Staff, joining in outside social media discussions is never productive and often invites comments that aren’t always appropriate.
Burt Ussery, Mayor