AGENDA DATE: 10/7/2026
TITLE:
Title
Schedule a Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of an Uncodified Ordinance Establishing Temporary Rounding and Account-Adjustment Procedures for Cash Payments Due to the Reduced Availability of Pennies
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Request that the Board of Supervisors schedule a public hearing to consider an uncodified ordinance establishing temporary rounding and account-adjustment procedures for cash payments, necessitated by the reduced availability of pennies, consistent with authority granted under Virginia law.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Herrick, Ruege, Sumner, Bowman, Matheny, Lane, Lenherr
PRESENTER (S): Jennifer Matheny
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The United States Mint ceased production of new circulating pennies on November 12, 2025. Although pennies remain legal tender, the lack of new production coupled with decreased use in everyday commerce has created shortages that increasingly affect the ability for businesses and governments to obtain pennies for cash transactions.
The County accepts cash payments at virtually all collection locations for taxes, fees, and services. As the supply of pennies diminishes and exact change becomes less reliably available, departments are experiencing challenges related to reconciliation, revenue accounting, and equitable treatment of customers.
In response, many states have adopted temporary legislation authorizing adjustments to bills and account balances when cash transactions are involved. The Virginia General Assembly enacted Chapter 713 of the 2026 Acts of Assembly, authorizing localities to adopt temporary ordinances to adjust bills and account balances for taxes and other charges paid in cash. Any such ordinance must expire no later than July 1, 2027. The General Assembly has directed the Department of Taxation to recommend a long-term uniform procedure prior to the 2027 Session.
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