Because water rates in La Vergne nearly doubled last year -- and are expected to go up again this year -- Alderman Dennis Waldron is working with the Smyrna/La Vergne Assistance Coalition (SLAC) to help La Vergne residents pay their bills. "We need to help the residents with their bills," he said recently. "They've gone up a substantial amount and residents need help paying them. This is a good way to help those in need." Anyone wishing to donate money to the cause is asked to call Waldron at (615) 397-7027.