MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The city stepped in to fix the elevators inside the Serenity Towers high-rise, where 150 tenants, the majority senior or disabled, call home.

You, the taxpayer, paid a nearly $12,000 tab to make it possible to get the elevators up and running after they were down for days.

At times, first responders were even called in to assist with getting tenants down to the first floor. Now it’s unclear if or when the owners of Serenity will even pay the city back.

Millennia’s attorney Geoffrey Gaia was seated in court on Tuesday, as the court was being made aware that three of the four elevators are once again working at Serenity at Highland, commonly known as Serenity Towers.

This is great news, considering last week we learned those living in the high-rise went days with no working elevators.

However, the city’s attorney Carlissa Shaw told the court that the way the elevators once again became operational is nothing to smile about.

“We were able to enter into a contract with Otis Elevators to get those elevators back up and operating on Saturday morning,” said Shaw.

So the cost to make the repairs was picked up by taxpayers at a total price of $11,222. But when it comes to when or if the million-dollar company that owns Serenity will pay back the thousands owed, attorney Gaia had this to say to the court:

“I’ve been told there are really no funds for which to pay these, so I would suggest giving 30 days to see if anything could possibly come in,” said Gaia.

But the court says a week and a half, as requested by the city, is plenty of time to make good on the debt.

“I’m going to order 10 days. You can work with the city for that payment,” said Judge Patrick Dandridge.

The city is asking for reimbursement. They want the $11,222, money taxpayers are paying, however, those representing Serenity say the owner has no funds.

Serenity will be back in court next Tuesday. WREG will continue to follow this story.