MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS News) - The Murfreesboro City Council will gather Thursday, Sept. 10, for a Regular Workshop meeting that will include votes on action items and discussions ranging from public infrastructure projects to city finances and information technology. The meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport Business Center Community Room, located at 1930 Memorial Blvd. The city's online calendar also lists the workshop for 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
Among the action items scheduled for consideration are the second and final reading of an ordinance updating fireworks permit administration and approval of a State NETTN Participation Agreement through the Information Technology Department. Council members are also scheduled to receive a Public Infrastructure Project Update and review the city's financial dashboards for June and July 2026.
Information technology and cybersecurity have received particular attention from the city. At the Sept. 3 council meeting, the city's IT Department presented a separate request to renew Murfreesboro's managed security service. According to the council communication, the service provides 24-hour cybersecurity monitoring, assists staff with identifying and remediating security threats, and helps ensure the city's IT infrastructure and policies remain compliant with current best-practice standards. The proposed renewal carries a $375,070 price tag, funded 70% through the General Fund and 30% through the Water Resources Enterprise Fund.
Once you boil down the cost of cyber protection, Water Resources will cover approximately $112,521, while the remaining $262,549 will be paid through the City’s General Fund.
The emphasis on cybersecurity comes as Rutherford County has seen firsthand what can happen when computer networks are compromised. Rutherford County Schools experienced a cyberattack in November 2024 that disrupted its network and systems, temporarily affecting end-of-course testing and the district's Virtual School. School officials later confirmed that some student information was compromised. In a separate incident, Rutherford County reported that a March 2025 data breach involving a collection agency used by Rutherford County EMS affected 562 EMS customers.
Private businesses have not been immune. Murfreesboro Medical Clinic was hit by a ransomware attack in April 2023 in which criminals allegedly gained access to private information and personally identifiable health information belonging to some patients and employees. The incident ultimately led to class-action litigation and a settlement. The incidents illustrate why local governments increasingly treat cybersecurity as part of basic infrastructure rather than simply an IT issue. Tennessee's Cybersecurity Advisory Council has similarly emphasized the need for local governments to implement effective cybersecurity controls and reduce exposure to threats such as ransomware.
Thursday's workshop will give council members an opportunity to address those technology concerns while also reviewing the city's broader infrastructure and financial picture. Individuals wishing to speak on actionable items must register at least six hours before the meeting begins, either through the city's public comment process or by calling City Hall at 615-849-2629.
