Shelby Brown Staff reporter

January 19, 2010
CHESTERFIELD, VIRGINIA—
Chesterfield leaders are forging ahead with possible zip code changes. They're looking to recoup millions in tax revenue currently going to other localities. That's because tens of thousands of Chesterfield homes have listed addresses as Richmond, Colonial Heights and Petersburg. Each year Matt Harris tells us the county loses between one and a half to two million dollars. Money that's desperately needed by the county at a time when they're facing such a huge budget shortfall for the next few years.

For the past year or so county leaders have been working with the United States Postal Service to explore the possibility of changing about a handful of zip codes. The problem is, there are aleady designated zip codes for Chesterfield, Virginia, Midlothian and Chester. Since the Postal Service won't allow the county to add more addresses to those zip codes, leaders must come up with some other names.

For example, the 23236 zip code could one day be listed as Cloverhill, Virginia. Cathy Boule, a spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service tells CBS 6 it's important to note that the county has not officially submitted a request to change the zip codes. When they do, it could take the United States Postal Service 60 days or more to act on the request.

Citizens can learn more by attending meetings next week. Monday's meeting starts at 7 o'clock P.M at Monacan High School. The second meeting is set for Tuesday at 7 o'clock P.M. at Meadowbrook High School.