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Radford council pauses plan to write off nearly $952,000 in delinquent city receivables
Summary
Council reviewed a staff proposal to authorize write-offs of uncollectible general and utility accounts totaling about $952,000 but asked for more detail and delayed action until the next meeting to allow further review of account breakdowns and collection efforts.
City staff presented a resolution to authorize the treasurer to write off delinquent, uncollectible accounts totaling about $952,000 at the end of fiscal year 2025. The amount includes miscellaneous general billings that staff said have accumulated since at least fiscal year 2008 and utility accounts older than 24 months that auditors recommend be written off.
Council members expressed concern about authorizing write-offs without a detailed breakdown showing fund source, age, and collection efforts. One councilor asked whether some of the receivables reflected small charges that likely are uncollectible, while another emphasized the need for accountability and quarterly reporting to prevent future accumulation.
Staff said the $952,000 figure consists of two categories: long-standing miscellaneous receivables (some dating to 2008) and utility bills older than 24 months. The transcript indicates staff and auditors recommend writing off amounts that are uncollectible, with the caveat that amounts subsequently collected can be re-entered as revenue.
Council did not vote on the resolution and instead asked staff to provide a more detailed breakdown and to return the item for discussion at the next meeting. Council members also requested clarity on collection procedures and comparative write-off practices in other municipalities.
