RICHMOND, Va. — An important duty of the Richmond mayor is to appoint a chief administrative officer (CAO) to manage the day-to-day operations of City Hall. The CAO oversees directors in every city department and reports directly to the mayor, so the position is critical to the functioning of Richmond’s government.
All of the candidates currently running for mayor have said, if elected, they plan to replace the CAO.
In recent years, CBS 6 has heard from a number of residents and business owners complaining about City Hall inefficiencies.
Restaurant owners have been grappling with what they’ve called an unfair and dysfunctional meals tax collection. The owner of The Greek Taverna said the problems make it “hard to go to sleep” and “put on a happy face for your customers.”
WATCH: Richmond says restaurant owner owes thousands in meals taxes but can’t answer her questions: ‘That’s scary’
Richmond says restaurant owner owes thousands in meals taxes: ‘That’s scary’
Some residents have dealt with inaccurate utility bills. One customer told CBS 6 “it’s been a consistent thing” since he moved, leaving him concerned about why his water bill was so high.