Perth amboy to round cash payments up to nearest dollar as pennies disappear

PERTH AMBOY, NJ – The City of Perth Amboy announced it will begin rounding all cash payments to the nearest dollar once its remaining supply of pennies runs out, following the U.S. Mint’s decision to stop producing the one-cent coin nationwide.

City officials said the change, expected to take effect in mid-December, will affect only cash transactions for taxes, utilities, and other municipal services. Payments made by check, debit card, credit card, or online will still be processed for the exact amount owed.

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, banks will no longer receive or distribute pennies, and the coins currently in circulation will gradually phase out as supplies diminish. Perth Amboy offices still have a limited number of rolled pennies available for daily use but expect to deplete that stock soon.

Rounding policy aims for fairness in billing

Under the city’s new policy, outlined in a memorandum from the mayor’s office, any overpayment resulting from rounding will be credited to the customer’s next quarterly tax or utility bill. Officials emphasized that the goal is to maintain fairness and accuracy while adapting to the nationwide transition.

Part of a broader national shift

The move follows a federal initiative to eliminate the penny, a coin long criticized for its cost of production exceeding its face value. Similar transitions in Canada and other countries have already led to rounding practices in cash transactions without significant disruption.

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