The Sioux City Budget Meeting held on February 8, 2025, focused on enhancing the city’s social media presence and communication strategies. City officials discussed the need for additional support for Anne, the city’s communications director, to manage the increasing demands of social media engagement and public information dissemination.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the current workload on Anne, who is responsible for urgent updates related to city services, such as police and fire alerts, as well as community events. Officials acknowledged that while Anne performs exceptionally well, the growing complexity of communication needs necessitates additional resources.

One proposal discussed was the possibility of contracting out some of the social media work. Officials considered allocating a budget of around $10,000 to $12,000 annually to hire a contractor who could assist with social media management. This would allow Anne to focus on more immediate and critical tasks while ensuring that the city’s online presence remains active and engaging.

The conversation highlighted the importance of adapting to changing communication trends, especially as more residents rely on social media for information. Officials noted that the demand for timely and accurate information is likely to increase, particularly with upcoming changes in state legislation regarding public meeting notifications.

In conclusion, while the budget for a full-time employee (FTE) was deemed unfeasible, the city council expressed a commitment to exploring alternative solutions to enhance communication efforts. The discussions underscored the necessity of investing in resources that can improve public awareness and engagement within the community. Further analysis of potential contractors and their effectiveness will be conducted in the coming weeks.