Delhi town board weighs launching official Facebook page, flags outreach gaps for seniors

The Delhi town board discussed whether to create an official town Facebook page and how to manage it, including who would have primary administrative access and who would be named as a backup.

Board members said the page could be an effective way to reach residents over 40, but they repeatedly raised the town’s digital-divide concerns: many older and low-income residents lack home internet service or devices and often require in-person help to complete applications or obtain official documents. One speaker described helping a 67-year-old resident without a computer to obtain retirement paperwork, saying town staff regularly assist residents who cannot travel or use online services.

Members agreed to research how other towns manage official social media accounts and to explore written Facebook policies and administrative procedures before establishing a town page. The discussion included a proposal that, if Elsa is designated the primary administrator, the board should also name a secondary person who can add or remove access and maintain continuity.

The board did not take a formal vote on creating a Facebook page during the meeting. Members emphasized that any decision should include clear backend roles and an approach to avoid excluding residents who lack reliable internet access.