The City of Winston-Salem has announced temporary measures in response to a shortage of pennies, following the U.S. Mint’s decision to stop producing them as of November 12, 2025. The city will implement symmetric rounding for cash transactions only when exact change cannot be provided and the billing system cannot accommodate the difference.
Assistant City Manager Ben Rowe stated, “Our goal is to be fair, clear, and consistent.” He added, “Rounding will be used sparingly, and only when exact change in pennies is not possible. Customers will still have uncomplicated ways to pay the exact amount if they prefer.”
Under the new guidelines, cash payments will be rounded as follows:
– Amounts ending in $0.01 or $0.02 will be rounded down to $0.00.
– Amounts ending in $0.03 or $0.04 will be rounded up to $0.05.
– Amounts ending in $0.06 or $0.07 will be rounded down to $0.05.
– Amounts ending in $0.08 or $0.09 will be rounded up to $0.10.
The city emphasized that these rules are designed for simplicity and fairness.
The full billed amount based on existing user fees and rate schedules will continue to be recorded as received by the city’s financial system. Any small discrepancies between billed amounts and collected cash—whether over or under—will be tracked separately in an “over and short” account within the city’s general ledger for transparency and accurate accounting.
Customers wishing to avoid rounding can use alternative payment methods such as checks, credit or debit cards, or by paying with exact change.
To inform residents and businesses about these changes, signs explaining the penny shortage, encouraging exact change, outlining how rounding works, and listing alternative payment options have been placed at all cash collection locations in both English and Spanish.
Rowe noted, “We understand even small changes can raise questions,” adding, “We’re committed to being transparent, treating everyone fairly, and keeping lines moving so customers can get on with their day.”
Residents with questions are encouraged to contact CityLink by calling 311, emailing citylink@cityofws.org, or visiting the city’s website at Your link to city services.
Winston-Salem serves as a municipal government overseeing local public services such as water treatment facilities capable of processing large volumes daily and maintaining essential infrastructure like water mains and sewer lines (official website). The city supports economic development initiatives benefiting businesses and minority enterprises while fostering community growth (official website). Governance is managed by a City Council consisting of eight ward representatives along with a mayor elected citywide (official website), responsible for enacting laws and approving budgets within North Carolina’s municipal boundaries (official website).
