Sewer commissioners narrow PR questions and debate social‑media limits under Wareham policy

The Board of Sewer Commissioners on June 25 reviewed a list of screening questions drafted by Committee member (S2) for public‑relations firms and debated whether an existing Board of Selectmen social‑media policy constrains the commission’s communications. Members said they would refine the questions and reduce the candidate list to about three firms for interviews.

Committee member (S2) outlined a list of 10 firms and said he would screen strengths and weaknesses from firms’ websites and reduce the list to three. Commissioners pressed whether the select board’s social‑media policy applies to the sewer commissioners. Committee member (S3) argued the commission is an independently elected body and said, "Policies are not rules...We do not report to the select board," noting the issue may require town‑counsel input.

Members discussed alternatives to social‑media outreach if the policy precludes commissioners from using social platforms, including newspapers, radio and direct outreach. The board approved a motion to accept the draft question list and to let Committee member (S2) move forward with outreach and shortlisting; the vote was unanimous.

Next steps: staff will confirm the select board policy’s applicability with town counsel or town council if needed; Committee member (S2) will continue vetting firms and present a short list at a future meeting.