Borough IT Works to Restore Services

A computer virus that is surfacing across the nation has been detected in the computer infrastructure at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. For the past two days, most of the Borough office phones, email, and computers were moved offline to prevent further compromise. The Borough's IT Department led project teams, working after hours, to isolate, scan, and secure Borough resources.

Wednesday, IT Director Eric Wyatt and his team met with the FBI cyber crimes unit to help in the effort to isolate and identify the virus. Borough information will help in the FBI’s work to identify the criminals for prosecution.

More than the FBI has offered expertise. Seven other companies or agencies have collaborated with the Borough. “I’m very pleased,” said Borough Manager John Moosey. “Some of our community IT experts have rallied behind our effort by dedicating their resources.” The Borough has in turn shared information with the School District to help protect District resources. 

Without computers and files, Borough employees acted resourcefully. They re-enlisted typewriters from closets, and wrote by hand receipts and lists of library book patrons and landfill fees at some of the 73 different buildings. 

We appreciate your patience. Private credit card information is not at risk as it is not stored online at the Borough.

Borough services will be restored one at a time as they are confirmed safe. Phone and email are high priority, IT Director Wyatt said.

A temporary main number for the Borough is (907) 861-7879. 

The external Borough website has been consistently working at www.matsugov.us

Some of the data from web applications, such as my Property, will be shared as soon as possible. This free Borough application is vital to business for title companies, appraisers, and home buyers who seek online information on tax rates, assessed property value, and square footage.

• The Collections office is handwriting receipts and can accept cash or check but cannot post transactions yet nor give out balances.

• In the Purchasing office, for bids that are advertised at the Borough, all proposals are posted online. If you have any questions while email is being restored, please deliver them in writing to the Purchasing office. Purchasing is located downstairs in the wing to the left of the main entrance at 350 E. Dahlia Ave. 

• The Borough libraries of Sutton, Willow, Talkeetna, Big Lake and Trapper Creek are checking out books for patrons manually. Only cash and check are accepted. Hours may vary: on July 26 hours are Big Lake 10 to 8 pm, Sutton 11 to 8 pm, Talkeetna 10 to 3 pm, Trapper Creek 12 to 8 pm, and Willow 10 to 8 pm. Regular phone numbers are working for libraries. Limited services are at libraries.

• The Central Landfill is open for business. Credit cards are accepted here. Delays have been occurring. Because staff is manually tracking scale weight and fees, please be patient if service is slower than usual. Consider delaying your trip until the systems are operational. Transfer sites are open for regular hours.

• The Animal Care facility computers are down as of Wednesday. The facility is open for regular hours with limited services. Strays and surrenders will be accepted. The shelter will continue to return lost pets to owners. Adoptions are available. Many wonderful cats and kittens are for sale at a reduced price. All adoption animals are spayed and neutered with microchip and vaccinations. The facility can accept cash or check only.

• The Palmer Pool is open for regular hours. Schedules are online. A temporary phone number for Palmer Pool is 746-8012.

For more updates check the Borough’s website and social media pages.

Patty Sullivan, Public Affairs Director, Mat-Su Borough, (907) 861-8577 or cell (907) 355-0103.