× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

Richmond City Auditor Umesh Dalal said Tuesday that his office’s efforts to review the city’s tax enforcement and collection measures have been stymied by city finance officials, who have for months declined to allow him access to the relevant tax records.

In response, administrators pointed to a state law that says they don’t have to share the information with Dalal’s department: The code allows auditors access to the records only if such a review is specifically requested by a locality’s finance director.

And the city’s finance director, John Wack, and his superiors made clear they are not interested in such a review.

“We’re good with where things are today,” said Chief Administrative Officer Selena Cuffee-Glenn. At another point during Tuesday’s Richmond Audit Committee meeting, she added: “We don’t see any need.”

Cuffee-Glenn, Wack and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Finance Lenora Reid declined to elaborate on their position when asked by a reporter after the meeting.

As of the city’s most recent monthly financial report, the city is owed $52.8 million in delinquent taxes.

“It is a matter of if this administration wants to be accountable and transparent,” Dalal said.