UPDATE: City staff continue bringing systems back online following the Oct. 17 cybersecurity incident. A soft opening of several offices is set for Monday, Oct. 27, with limited services.
Staff will not be able to check accounts, answer balance inquiries, or address issues that would require accessing records. Departments that are open to the public may be able to accept check or money order payments.
The Public Works Building at 1500 E. Nir Shreibman Blvd. will be open Monday. The Codes and Planning Departments will conduct most business as usual.
The Water Billing Department will be able to accept check and money order payments only and provide receipts. Residents should bring their water bill with them.
The Tax Department will be able to accept check and money order payments. Questions regarding assessments should be directed to the Rutherford County Property Assessors office.
Parks and Recreation will be open for the Goblins & Goodies event at the park this weekend.
The Police Department and Fire and Rescue Department have remained open and operational throughout the incident.
The library is not reopening at this time, though the book drop remains available for returns. City Court remains closed.
The IT department and all staff continue to examine and verify each computer system before it is used. Data will not be accessible until investigations into the system breach are complete.
Earlier story:
The city of La Vergne has been completely offline since Friday following what officials are calling a cybersecurity incident, leaving residents unable to pay bills and forcing the postponement of court hearings.
"They send a bill to me through the mail. I come every month and pay it, and don't have no problem. But I guess we got a problem today," said resident Phabyn Gay.
With city systems under review, officials cannot accept cash or card payments. The online portal is also down following the cyber security breach.
For now, checks and money orders can be left in the drop box at the Public Works and Community Development Services building at 1500 E. Nir Shreibman Blvd.
"That's whether it's taxes or water payments, they can drop that off in person. City Court has been moved. But beyond that, public services are still running. Public works is working. Police are out patrolling, securing our community. Fire Department is still out," said Mayor Jason Cole.
During the closures, the city says no late fees will be applied and no water accounts will be shut off.
"They need to figure that out, because if not everybody messed up... free water for everybody," Gay said.
While computers remain down, Cole says the community continues operating normally. The Goblins and Goodies event is still scheduled for Saturday.
"Our team just because of the doors are closed doesn't mean that they're not working. They're still out working, regardless of the department," Cole said.
Court hearings scheduled for Tuesday have been postponed, and new dates will be sent by mail. Those scheduled may also call the court clerk at 615-287-8630.
The city continues working to assess and restore digital systems following the cybersecurity incident. The city is working with cybersecurity experts, law enforcement, the FBI, and TBI on the investigation.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at Patsy.Montesinos@Newschannel5.com
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