Woolwich will disable comments on township social media pages starting Jan. 1 over records-retention rules

At its Dec. 29 special close-out meeting, the Woolwich Township Committee discussed a change to the township’s social media practice. Mayor Matthias said the township, following guidance from a League session, will disable comments on township social media pages beginning Jan. 1 because comments are subject to records-retention requirements.

Mayor Matthias noted the police department already uses this policy. The township will implement an autoresponder on its pages to direct residents to contact municipal offices directly, explaining that social pages are not monitored for instant messages.

The committee recorded the announcement as part of new business. No vote was recorded on this item in the minutes; implementation details beyond the start date and use of an autoresponder were not specified in the minutes.