Richmond ratepayers will be given additional time to pay their bills this January, according to an announcement by city officials Sunday.
Due dates for water utilities, parking tickets and select tax fees have been extended in response to issues caused by a citywide water outage that began Jan. 6 after a winter storm disrupted Richmond's water processing.
Residents in Richmond and the surrounding counties of Goochland, Henrico and Hanover had low pressure or no water in their homes and businesses for multiple days. Storefronts were forced to close and residents were told to conserve water.
A boil water advisory was issued for multiple localities as officials cooperatively responded to the emergency. AlthoughRichmond Mayor Danny Avula lifted the city advisory Saturday, he said the city intends to remain watchful over its water supply.
“There’s still gonna be an all-hands-on-deck approach at the water treatment plant for this upcoming week, and however long we need to. We're really confident about [the] restored function,” Avula told reporters Saturday.
Richmond’s fiscal grace period gives ratepayers up to an additional 10 business days to make bill payments without interest or penalties — though penalties will resume after that time has ended.
Eligible bills and tax fees include:
- Real estate taxes
Originally due: Jan. 14
Extended: Jan. 29
- Admissions taxes
Originally due: Jan. 20
Extended: Feb. 3
- Transient occupancy taxes
Originally due: Jan. 20
Extended: Feb. 3
- Meals tax
Originally due: Jan. 20
Extended: Feb. 3
- Delinquent payment arrangements
Additional 10 business days from due date
- Parking tickets
Additional 10 business days from due date
- Utility bills
Additional 10 business days from due date
- Utility Promise pay agreements
Additional 10 business days from due date
Residents with questions about their utilities can call Richmond’s nonemergency RVA 311, the Department of Public Works at (804) 646-4646 or visit the city’s website.