City of Racine to Discontinue Use of Pennies for Change
Beginning March 1, 2026, the City of Racine will discontinue the use of pennies when returning change for cash payments at City facilities.
The federal government has ended production of the one-cent coin. As a result, financial institutions are no longer replenishing penny inventories, and supplies available to the City are steadily diminishing.
To ensure uninterrupted service at City payment counters, cash transactions requiring change will be rounded up to the nearest nickel once existing pennies are exhausted.
How Rounding Will Work
• If paying cash and change is required, the total will be rounded up to the nearest $0.05.
• If paying with exact change, no rounding will occur.
• Payments made by check are not affected.
• Credit card payments remain available and are subject to a small service charge based on a percentage of the transaction amount.
Why This Adjustment Is Necessary
Without the ability to obtain additional pennies from financial institutions, the City must transition to a practical alternative that maintains efficient operationsThe fact or condition of functioning or being active. and minimizes transaction delays.
The City remains committed to providing multiple convenient payment options while adapting responsibly to changes in federal currency production.
For questions, residents may contact the Customer Service Department at (262) 636-9171.
