City Offices Upgrade Telephone System

The current telephone system for City of Forest Grove offices and facilities was installed in late 1999. The phone system developed problems with the message component and support was no longer available without upgrading the component. Due to the condition of the phone system and the cost to upgrade it without getting more features to enhance the function of the system, the City decided to replace the phone system.

The physical conversion to the new system will take place on Thursday, December 16, beginning at 4 pm. As the phone numbers are switched over to the new system, the City will not be able to receive incoming calls; however, outgoing calls should not be affected. The conversion should take 3 hours or less; however, fax services may not be available until Friday morning around 10 am due to additional configuration that is needed. 9-1-1 emergency service will not be affected by the City’s phone system conversion.

The new system will be a Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP) system which will improve staff efficiency and effectiveness in serving the citizens of Forest Grove. The system will have features which will improve how staff functions for example, Caller ID will show the City staff person who makes the call rather than the main receptionist number for the City. This will expedite responses to returned phone calls.

The City of Forest Grove is looking forward to the improved functions of the new system and serving the citizens of Forest Grove more efficiently.