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Bluff City plans cybersecurity upgrades and online payments; insurance requirement raises costs
Summary
Council members discussed required cybersecurity insurance, adding online payment capabilities for taxes and fines, and budgeted IT infrastructure work to meet insurer standards.
Bluff City staff told the mayor and aldermen the draft budget includes funding to meet cybersecurity-insurance requirements and to enable online payment options for property taxes, court fines and permit fees.
Staff said the city cannot offer expanded online services until cybersecurity insurance and related IT controls are in place. One staff member said once cybersecurity coverage is secured the city will be able to accept property-tax and court payments online, which could reduce administrative workload.
Council members noted the insurance requirement increased projected costs. A staff presentation identified a line item intended for IT infrastructure and security; during the meeting one participant said the cybersecurity insurance cost drove an increase in certain lines and that the draft includes funding to bring the city to the insurer’s standards. The budget discussion also included separate line items for software used for email, web pages, and the office applications the municipal staff rely on.
No formal procurement decision or contract award was made at the session; staff said they will compare quotes and return with vendor recommendations and a timeline to implement online payments after insurance requirements are met.
Ending: Council asked staff to prioritize cybersecurity work and to return with vendor quotes and a project schedule at the next workshop so the city can begin offering online payments once insurance and IT controls are in place.
