The City of Germantown (the “City”) values the privacy, confidence and respect of the individuals who visit the City of Germantown website. The City does not collect personal information at this site unless an individual provides such information voluntarily while participating in an activity that asks for the information. The following paragraphs disclose the information gathering and usage practices for the website.

Collection of Information
The City only collects the personal information that is necessary to provide the information or services requested by an individual. "Personal information" means any information relating to an identified or identifiable individual who is the subject of the information. This is the same information that an individual might provide when visiting a government office and includes such items as an individual's name, address or phone number. We also collect statistical information that helps us understand how people are using the website so we can continually improve our services. The information collected is not associated with any specific individual and no attempt is made to profile individuals who browse the website. You may be asked to participate in surveys at this site. Participation is optional, and the choice to participate or not to participate will have no effect on your ability to use other features of the site.

Use of Information
The City uses the collected information to respond appropriately to requests. This may be to respond directly to you or to improve the website. Email or other information requests sent to the City website may be maintained or forwarded to the appropriate agencies in order to respond to the request. Survey information is used for the purpose designated in the survey.

Retention of Information
Records needed to support City program functions are retained, managed and accessible in record-keeping or filing systems in accordance with established records disposition authorizations adopted by the City of Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Records transmitted to this site will be identified, managed, protected and retained as long as they are needed to meet historical, administrative, fiscal or legal requirements.

Public Disclosure
Regardless of whether information is provided to the City by personal visit, mail or website, it becomes public record and is open to public inspection unless protected by State or Federal law. Public records are subject to the rules and requirements located in Tennessee Code Annotated Title 10 Chapter 7. A public record is defined as follows:

"Public record(s)" or "state record(s)" means all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, microfilms, electronic data processing files and output, films, sound recordings or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any governmental agency. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-301 (6)).

Based on the definition of public records, be aware that any information collected at this site could be made available to the public. The City examines all requests for public records to be sure that those requests comply with public record laws.

Cookies
Any web page or application at this site that uses cookies will identify itself as such. Cookies are short and simple text files that are stored on a user's computer hard drive by websites. They are used to keep track of and store information so the user does not have to supply the information multiple times. The information that is collected through cookies at this site is handled in the same manner as other information collected here. You can configure your web browser to refuse cookies or to notify you when a website attempts to send you a cookie. You can also check your hard drive for cookie files and delete them from your computer.

Website Security
The City of Germantown is committed to the security of the information that is either available from or collected by this website. The City has taken multiple steps to safeguard the integrity of its telecommunications and computing infrastructure. These steps include, but are not limited to, authentication, monitoring, auditing and encryption.

Security Statement
This site is protected by powerful Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption technology and Private Communication Technology (PCT) security standards supported by all current internet browsers.

SSL encrypts your account or credit card number, name, address and phone number before they travel over the internet. This makes doing business over the internet as secure as purchasing by telephone. All transactions are in real-time and nonrefundable.

Links to Other Sites
This website has links to other websites. These include links to websites operated by other government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses. The City of Germantown is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these sites and suggests that you review their privacy statements.

Contact Information
The City welcomes comments regarding this privacy statement. Please convey any questions or concerns to: 

City of Germantown
Administration Department
(901) 757-7201
SCrockett@Germantown-TN.gov