The Richmond City Council held an informal meeting on April 28-29, 2025, where a significant issue regarding the printing of checks was discussed. During the meeting, it was revealed that several thousand checks were printed incorrectly, prompting Sheila White, the director, to halt the distribution and initiate an audit of the entire process.

The audit aims to ensure that all procedures are being followed correctly. As a precaution, the city has placed a stop payment on the incorrectly issued checks. This decision raises concerns for residents who may have already cashed checks that were not made out to the correct payee. If these checks were cashed with the wrong name, they could face complications with their banks.

The city is currently awaiting the results of the audit, which is nearing completion. Officials indicated that they are working diligently to resolve the situation and provide clarity to affected residents. Approximately 79,000 properties were involved in this check issuance, but not all checks were sent out, with around 40,000 being held back. Some valid checks may have inadvertently been included in the stop payment order, complicating the matter further.

As the city moves forward, officials are focused on rectifying the issue and ensuring that residents receive the correct payments without further complications. The outcome of the audit will be crucial in determining the next steps for the city and its residents.