Billing Errors, Duplexes, and Spray Parks
Cheers RVA!
Today will be mostly sunny, with a high of 82 and a low of 55. The week ahead looks a bit cooler, with highs around 70 and a potential mid-week rainstorm.
the juice:
The City of Richmond issued a public service announcement on Saturday for those who received an unexpected 2025 second half real estate tax bill:
Last week, the City’s Department of Finance issued “2025 Second Half Real Estate Tax Bills” to residents. These bills accurately reflect what taxpayers owe. However, for taxpayers who hold mortgages, these bills are typically sent to the mortgage lender to be paid on their behalf. Last week, that normal process did not happen and several thousand taxpayers were issued their bills directly.
The statement goes on to explain how the error occurred (the system that runs the process failed to import 33k taxpayer records) and how the problem will be resolved.
For residents who have their tax bill typically paid by their mortgage lender, the city suggests they contact their lender and ask how to make sure the bill gets paid. If you already paid and your lender pays as well, your account will be credited.
The Department of Finance anticipates sending bills to lenders within the coming days.
Mayor Avula has apologized for the confusion, and acknowledged he himself also received a property tax bill as a result of the error.
the pulp:
A man was shot and killed inside his apartment in Mosby Court on Sunday morning, via WTVR.
In her most recent weekly newsletter, councilmember Sarah Abubaker explained her rationale for voting against the budget amendment, noting the council was given limited time to work through just 1.9 million of a $3 billion budget:
Richmond’s budget is nearly $3 billion. Council — your co-equal legislative branch — was given just $1.9 million to influence. That’s less than 0.001% of the total. And while this year’s timeline and structure were especially difficult, this isn’t new. Everyone told me this is how the process has always gone — and that’s exactly the problem.
Candidates for the Democratic primary for the Commonwealth’s Attorney and Sheriff sparred in a debate over the weekend, according to Luca Powell at the RTD. With Richmond being overwhelmingly Democratic, the primary is effectively the election for the two positions. Voting takes place on June 17.
Henrico has officially opened its spray parks for the summer season, via WRIC. There are six locations across the county that provide a “zero-depth water play feature” for children aged 12 and under.
the dive:
While the city continues its yearslong process for updating the zoning code, a survey has shown a generational divide among residents who support duplexes in residential districts, from Sarah Vogelsong at the Richmonder.
Vogelsong writes:
Those findings could provide backing for many of the changes being considered under the overhaul, such as allowing duplexes in more residential areas and increasing the number of units allowed in multifamily buildings in different districts. City Council has already taken one significant step toward increasing density: In 2023, it voted to allow accessory dwelling units on most single-family lot.
Read the full article here.
the vibe:
Have a lovely day RVA!
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