April is Earth Month, making it the perfect time to step outside, enjoy Henrico’s natural spaces, and give back to the community we serve. From hands-on volunteer opportunities to family-friendly events, there are plenty of ways for employees to celebrate both Earth Day and Arbor Day while making a positive impact.

Celebrate Earth Day (April 11)

While Earth Day is on April 22, Henrico’s Earth Day 2026 celebration is on April 11.  It is hosted by Recreation and Parks, Keep Henrico Beautiful, and H.E.A.R.T., making it a great starting point for anyone looking to connect with local environmental efforts. The event features interactive activities, educational displays, and opportunities to learn more about sustainability in our community. Whether you stay for an hour or the whole event, it’s an easy and fun way to engage in the work happening right here in the county.

Honor Arbor Day (April 25)

Later in the month, the Arbor Day Celebration & Plant Sale offers another chance to get involved. This event highlights the importance of trees in our community while giving attendees the opportunity to purchase plants and learn more about local conservation efforts. It’s also a great chance to tour the museum and learn the history of Virginia Randolph and Arbor Day.

Volunteer and Make an Impact

As the weather warms up, there are several outdoor volunteer opportunities for employees. Don’t forget to check with your supervisor and policies and procedures to use volunteer leave!

• HCPS McKinney-Vento Program– Help sort, organize, and set up their new space for students. April 1 and 3, 10 am – 1 pm
• 2026 Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction with SOAR365-has multiple positions available between set-up, night-of support, and teardown. April 10-12
• Woodland Cemetery Public Workday– Support restoration efforts by mowing, weed eating, clearing brush, and cleaning headstones. April 11, 9am – 1pm; May 2, 9am – 1pm
• Paint Out Pollution at Henrico’s Earth Day Celebration– work alongside County staff and James River Association (JRA) staff to paint storm drains using multi-layered stencils and spray paint. April 11, 12pm – 3pm
• Repair, Reuse, Replant Workshop– Bring clothing items that need a little care and learn how to patch tears, sew on buttons, and mend pockets to extend the life of your favorite garments. Also, dig into the joy of growing new things by learning about how Keep Henrico Beautiful is propagating common houseplants as gifts for teachers. April 16, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

More Ways to Enjoy the Season

In addition to Earth Month events, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors:

• Sensational Spring Soirée– Enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a craft at Dorey Park. April 1, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Let’s Walk Together with Team Henrico– Join fellow employees on National Walking Day and walk the trails around the Training Center and Western Government Center. Contact Sydnei Archie for details. April 1, starting at 12pm
• Kite Day– A lighthearted way to spend time outside (and yes, adults can absolutely join in!) If you don’t have a kite, supplies will be available to build your own! April 12, 12pm – 3pm
• Join Team Henrico for the Monument Avenue 10k– Join your coworkers and run, walk, or cheer at this spring tradition. Discount codes are available for employees. Contact Joshua Gaskins for more information. Race day is April 18

Make April Count

Earth Month is a reminder that small actions like volunteering for a few hours, attending a local event, or simply spending more time outdoors can make a meaningful difference.

However you choose to participate, April is a great time to celebrate, connect, and take pride in the community we help serve every day.

Did you know that the way we create documents, emails, presentations, and webpages can impact whether everyone can access and understand them? The way we label and arrange information can make the difference as to whether people who use screen readers, captions, voice controls, translators, or other assistive technologies can access our content just as easily as anyone else.

Accessibility isn’t just a technical and legal requirement. It is about making sure all people, including those with disabilities, can fully participate in the information we share every day.

Why It Matters

As County employees, part of our mission is to serve and help our community. Part of this is making sure our services and communications are user-friendly and easy to access for everybody including:

• Employees and residents with visual, hearing, cognitive, or mobility disabilities
• People using mobile devices or slower internet connections
• Anyone who benefits from clearer, more organized information

Yes, there are laws that require us to meet accessibility standards, specifically Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but simply put, accessible content is better content for everyone.

What Does Accessible Content Look Like?

• Use clear headings to organize your content
• Add alternative text (alt text) to images so screen readers can describe them
• Use descriptive links (e.g., “View the budget report” instead of “Click here”)
• Choose high color contrast and larger, legible fonts for readability
• Include captions in videos
• Use built-in accessibility checkers in programs like Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat

You don’t need to be an expert to make a big difference. If you create or share content such as documents, emails, presentations, social media posts, or webpages, you play an important role in accessibility.

Accessibility is something we all contribute to and by building these habits into our daily work, we help ensure that everyone can access the information they need.

For more information on digital accessibility, please check out the Access and Opportunity SharePoint page. It details the accessibility requirements and provides a checklist and guides for creating accessible documents and presentations. It also includes tools such as screen reader testing, visual testing, and color contrast analyzers.  

If you have specific questions about digital accessibility, please email the accessibility team.

What’s Changing?

Under Public Law 119-21, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed on July 4, 2025, introduces several new and enhanced tax deductions:

✅ New income tax deductions for qualified overtime
✅ Enhanced deduction for seniors (age 65 and older)
✅ Increased standard deduction and child tax credit
✅ Higher limit on itemized deductions for state and local taxes

Action Required

If you want these deductions reflected in your paycheck withholding:
Submit a new 2026 Form W-4 through Employee Direct Access, OR

📄 Download the 2026 Form W-4

Note: If you do not submit a new Form W-4, your withholding will remain based on your previously submitted form.

Before You Update

• Review the instructions included with Form W-4 carefully.
• Consider consulting a tax professional if needed.
• Use the updated Deductions Worksheet on page 4 and enter your total in Step 4(b).

Helpful Tools

The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator has been updated for some deductions:
Tax Withholding Estimator – About You | Internal Revenue Service

Tip: Have your most recent pay statement and tax return handy.
⚠️ Use either the updated Deductions Worksheet or the estimator—not both.

Looking Ahead

• If you update your withholding for 2026, recheck and adjust at the beginning of 2027.
• Your Form W-4 remains in effect until you submit a new one.

By Empower Retirement

Raise your hand if you like paying taxes. Anyone? (Insert cricket sounds here.) It’s safe to say that not many people look forward to the annual ritual of filing and paying income taxes. It’s confusing. It’s stressful. And when you don’t get a refund and have to write the IRS a check, it can be financially uncomfortable. But what if there was a way you could lower your tax obligation — and by doing so, create a more comfortable financial future for yourself and your family? And what if it was all completely legal?

It may come as a surprise that your County of Henrico 457 Deferred Compensation Plan does exactly that. It offers a tax-advantaged way to save — one that may provide you with a bigger retirement nest egg than you would achieve by saving and investing on your own.

The traditional way

With traditional pre-tax contributions, the money you contribute to your account comes out of your paycheck before taxes are calculated and deducted. So, you potentially lower your tax obligations because you pay taxes on a smaller take-home amount. Also, the taxes you would have paid on the amount contributed are invested in the way you choose. And you don’t pay any taxes on the earnings your contributions generate until you take a qualified distribution in retirement. Because some people expect to be in a lower tax bracket when they retire, this can help reduce their overall tax burden.

The Roth way

Roth contributions are still tax-advantaged, but the advantage comes into play later. Roth contributions come out of your paycheck after taxes are calculated and deducted. So, you don’t get a tax break initially — but you don’t owe taxes when you take a qualified distribution in retirement. And even when your contributions have generated gains, you won’t owe taxes on those gains.¹

And don’t forget the saver’s credit

The IRS’s Retirement Savings Contributions Credit is a tax credit for making eligible contributions to an employer-sponsored retirement plan or IRA. In 2025, the credit helped offset part of the first $2,000 that an eligible person contributed to their retirement account during the year. Those who were eligible and who contributed at least $2,000 to their accounts could claim a credit of 50%, 20%, or 10%, depending on their adjusted gross income — which would translate into a $1,000, $400, or $100 credit, respectively. To be eligible, your adjusted gross income must fall within the range established by the IRS. Visit irs.gov for more information. It’s also a good idea to consult a qualified tax professional.

If you’re interested in saving more for your retirement and lowering your tax, schedule a meeting with Chip Richardson, our Henrico Retirement Plan Advisor, check out the resources and information on the employee website’s Deferred Compensation webpage, or log in on the Empower websiteand consider increasing your contributions to your County of Henrico 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. It can make your future more comfortable while making tax season a little less stressful. What’s not to like?

^{1 A withdrawal from a Roth account is not subject to federal taxation as long as it is qualified as defined under IRS regulations. However, state and local taxes may still apply. Any earnings on Roth contributions will be taxed unless a withdrawal is a qualified distribution as defined by the IRS. For a withdrawal to be considered a qualified distribution, Roth contributions must have been in the account for at least five years and the money withdrawn after age 59½, death, or disability. Current rules are subject to change.}

Securities, when presented, are offered and/or distributed by Empower Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. EFSI is an affiliate of Empower Retirement, LLC; Empower Funds, Inc.; and registered investment adviser Empower Advisory Group, LLC. This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide investment, legal, or tax recommendations or advice.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

“EMPOWER” and all associated logos and product names are trademarks of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America.

©2025 Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America. All rights reserved. WF-5142450-1025 RO4928494-1025

It’s not quite winter yet, but the snow and cold weather are here! As the weather gets colder and we plug in space heaters, hang up festive decorations, and spend more time indoors, it’s easy to forget that these seasonal comforts can also raise the risk of fire. Winter doesn’t have to be stressful, though. A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping all of us safe. Here are some fire safety tips from Lieutenant Byron Burton of the Division of Fire.

• Install and maintain smoke detectors in sleeping areas, avoiding kitchens and bathrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms are also needed if you have gas appliances or a wood or gas fireplace. You should test these at least twice a year and replace the batteries as needed.
• Create and practice a fire escape plan, ensuring everyone knows two ways out of each room and a designated meeting place outside.
• Know the location of your water shutoff valve and main breaker panel in your house. This knowledge is crucial if a pipe bursts or an electrical appliance sparks or catches fire.
• Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning of your furnace and chimney annually.
• Keep a sturdy screen in front of fireplaces to prevent sparks from jumping out.
• Ensure the fireplace fire is completely out before going to sleep.
• Handle ashes with care, as they can stay hot for days; dispose of them in a metal container away from the house.
• Keep space heaters at least three to four feet away from any flammable items, such as furniture, curtains, and bedding. It’s best not to use an extension cord with a portable heater. If you must use one, ensure it is a heavy-gauge cord, and do not plug any other devices into the cord or outlet.
• Turn off portable heaters and blow out candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Avoid using a gas oven to heat your home.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen in an easily accessible location. Perform a monthly visual inspection, including shaking the extinguisher for at least a minute to break up the powder inside, and replace it after expiration.
• Stay in the kitchen while frying, broiling, or grilling food.
• Do not place frozen foods in hot frying oil. Ensure the food is thawed and dry before cooking.
• Keep flammable items like towels and potholders away from the stovetop.
• Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires or damaged components and dispose of anything in poor condition. Use LED lights whenever possible.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Just because an outlet has multiple sockets doesn’t mean you can safely use several appliances at the same time. Remember that surge protectors only guard against power surges; they do not prevent overloads. Be cautious when using multiple devices simultaneously to ensure your safety.
• Extension cords should not be used as permanent solutions; always unplug them after use. Avoid using indoor extension cords outdoors and use heavy-gauge cords whenever possible to prevent overload.
• During snowfall, ensure walkways and stairs are clear of snow and ice.

Don’t forget to check out Henrico’s Division of Fire social media pages for more tips and local updates!

• Facebook
• X
• YouTube

NOTE: In our communication dated December 12, 2025, we stated that employees would receive a separate accounting of their qualified overtime compensation by January 31, 2026. Based on IRS guidance, employers are not required to provide this information, and we do not intend to issue reporting this year while we review IRS rule publications and determine the correct qualified overtime calculation method. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused and appreciate your understanding.

2025 W-2 Opt-out

2025 W-2 Opt-out means you will NOT receive a paper copy by mail. If you would like to make the election for the electronic 2025 form, please log in to HRMS (Employee Direct Access) to make this update. There are many advantages to receiving your form electronically!

Receiving an electronic form is:

• Safer. Reduces the risk of identity theft associated with mailed forms, which includes the employee’s name, address, and partial social security number.
• Faster. Electronic forms will be available before mailed forms. Employees will be notified by email announcement when their forms are available to view and print. Those who do not make the election will have a copy mailed.
•  Accessible. Your statements will remain in Oracle and can be accessed and printed whenever you need them (for all active employees).
• Greener. If electronic consent is provided, paper forms will not be mailed.

How do you sign up to receive your W-2 form electronically?

1. To begin the opt-out process, log into HRMS and locate the bars in the top left corner of the screen.
2. Click the three bars and select “Employee Direct Access”
3. Click “Salary Related”
4. Click “W2 Delivery Preference”
5. Once you see the screen below, uncheck the box next to “Delivery Method” and click update.

Thank you in advance for participating in this option. If you have any questions, please contact the Payroll Section. [email protected].

What if you already provided consent last year?

No action is needed. Your consent will remain in effect until you choose to withdraw your consent or terminate your employment.

Reminder: Review and Update Your Form W-4 and Mailing Address

Ensure that you submit an updated Form W-4 if there have been, or will be, any changes to your filing status, other income, deductions, or tax credits for the upcoming year.

As a reminder, it is recommended that you complete a new Form W-4 using the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator, available at IRS.gov/W4App, to help ensure accurate withholding.

While reviewing your information in HRMS, take a moment to verify and update your mailing address if needed. This will help ensure that any tax-related documents are delivered to you promptly.

All updates and or changes should be made before January 6^th, 2026.  

Treasury, IRS provides guidance for individuals who received overtime during the tax year 2025

For tax years 2025 through 2028, individuals who receive qualified overtime compensation may deduct the pay that exceeds their regular rate of pay (generally, the “half” portion of “time-and-a-half” compensation) that is required by the Fair Labor Standards Act and reported on a Form W-2 statement furnished to the individual.

• Maximum annual deduction is $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers).
• Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers).
• The deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.

Qualified overtime per FLSA guidelines means overtime pay for hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek (Notice 2025-69). If you have any questions or concerns regarding qualified overtime, we encourage you to consult with a licensed tax professional for guidance.

2025 ACA Forms – will be available electronically.

If you have any questions, please email the Finance Payroll Section.

November marks National Career Month, a time dedicated to reflecting on your professional and career path. It’s also a reminder that career development is about more than advancement. Whether you want to explore new opportunities, set goals, update your resume, or sharpen your interviewing skills, now is a great time to take charge of your career growth.  

Human Resources Organizational Learning and Talent Development (OLTD) encourages you to take advantage of our resources available to enhance your career development:

• Attend a career-oriented class. OLTD is offering two classes this year, “Build Your Reputation for Career Success” and “Finding Purpose in My Work” that focus on career skills and strategies. Get more information and register in HRMS.
• Reflect on your interests and how they fit into your career goals.  Websites like O*Net OnLine and career assessments administered by qualified career coaches match your skills and interests to different jobs.  Conducting an informational interview is also a great way to get an insider’s view of the job you’re interested in. Watch this Informational Interviewing video on our HR YouTube channel for tips on conducting one.
• Identify the skills you need for the job you want. Create a skill-building plan using the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) on the Employee Website. Take classes or watch videos on our HR YouTube page to strengthen your professional development.
• Work with your supervisor on your career goals. Your division or department may have programs to guide you in career advancement or to help you acquire skills and/or education to meet job requirements. Check with your supervisor to see if tuition reimbursement and/or educational leave is available.
• Build your network of contacts. Attending OLTD classes, joining Leadership Henrico (LH), or the Emerging Leaders Certification Program (ELCP) are all great ways to meet new people and build relationships critical to career success.
• Update your resume to stay professionally current. Check out our resume videos on our HR YouTube page. Our career advisors are also available to meet with you for personalized guidance.
• Strengthen interviewing skills by watching our interviewing videos on our HR YouTube page or meet with an OLTD career advisor for customized assistance and practice.

HR and its career resources are here to help you fuel your growth, unlock your potential, and prepare you for future opportunities. Several of our clients have shared their insights on the benefits of leveraging our services:

“I got the job!! Meeting with you really helped get all my nerves out. I can’t thank you enough for your tips and sitting down with me.”

“I had my interview today, and the guidance you provided was really helpful when answering questions.”

“I feel a lot more comfortable moving forward thanks to the tools you’ve given me to succeed.”

Now is the time to invest in your career—we’re here to help guide you in your career journey. For more information, visit our Career Resources page, call 501-7201, or contact [email protected].

Phishing attempts make up about 3% of the roughly 3 million emails received by Henrico County employees each month.  Fortunately, most of these malicious messages are caught and filtered out before they ever arrive in a user’s email inbox.

Unfortunately, some messages do still arrive in users’ inboxes.  However, these messages often contain indicators (or red flags) that you can use to identify them as a phishing attempt rather than a legitimate email.

The word ‘kindly’ is one such red flag; the use of which is not picked up by our email filters.  The word kindly has largely fallen out of favor in everyday American English where we would use the word ‘please’.  It remains common in formal business English in countries with British colonial influence where English was taught as a second language.  These countries include India, Nigeria, or Pakistan, where use of the word kindly remains common.  Many phishing campaigns also originate from these countries.  Modern American business communication favors direct, clear language.  Terms like please and thank you are standard, but kindly sounds old-fashioned or overly formal.

This linguistic mismatch can and should trigger suspicion in you the reader of the email, especially when paired with other scam indicators like…

• A sense of urgency
• Frustration directed at you
• Posing or referencing higher-ups / supervisors
• An unwillingness to communicate via voice
• Insulting or bullying or other tactics to get an emotional response
• Posing as a trusted party or brand

In summary, the word “kindly” stands out in phishing emails because it’s out of step with how most Americans write business messages today.  Its common use in scams reflects differences in English around the world.  By knowing that kindly is unusual in American English, you gain a simple tool to help spot fraud attempts.  Always be skeptical of overly formal requests like “kindly update your password”.  When in doubt, contact the company by a known channel instead of clicking a link or forward the message to [email protected] to verify its legitimacy.  Vigilance, caution, and familiarity with these red flags can help protect you and Henrico County from phishing scams.

In a world where endless notifications and meetings often blur the boundaries between work and personal life, the opportunity to step away—intentionally, meaningfully—is a gift. At Henrico County, full-time employees are offered eight hours of paid volunteer time annually, with recurring opportunities to participate in community service. It’s more than a benefit; it’s an invitation to connect, to contribute, and perhaps most surprisingly, to discover something deeply personal in the process.

Earlier this year, I chose to spend a portion of my volunteer time at Soar365, an organization serving individuals of all ages with disabilities—and their families—across Central Virginia. Their approach is profoundly person-centered, celebrating the unique strengths and spirit of each individual. They don’t just offer support; they offer understanding, joy, and an undeniable sense of belonging.

My visit coincided with their Valentine’s Day celebration, and Henrico employees were invited to join participants in the adult day program for an afternoon of arts and crafts. The space was bright, scattered with painting kits and blank canvases, surrounded by bingo stations and more than a few rogue sparkling eyes. It was loud, joyfully so, with laughter bouncing off the walls. It started with music humming in the background and dancing, both on and off tune. The flow of movement provided a sea of staggered uniformity that was free and confident. Announcements followed. Ashley Christian, volunteer engagement coordinator at Soar365, gave a presentation to the group and led us in low-risk exercises that would help anyone on their journey towards health and well-being.

I found myself at a table with three program participants, each working on their own Valentine crafts. We painted canvases and bedazzled them with trinkets and beads.  One was focused, boldly painting in colors of red and orange. “For my family,” she expressed to me, not looking up. Another preferred stickers, especially colorful ones, and, when finished, told me he would give them to his girlfriend, who was making crafts at another table.

There’s something grounding about making something with your hands. But what struck me most wasn’t the crafts—it was the presence. These moments were completely undistracted. I wasn’t a volunteer from an organization. I was just a person, sharing a table, creating, listening, and laughing.

Before the afternoon unfolded, I learned about how Soar365 operates—not through grand gestures, but through daily acts of empathy and tailored support. Staff members shared information about the program and recommendations that make for the best possible experience. Even more lovely, they knew every individual’s preferences and communication styles. They anticipated needs before they were spoken. The combination of expertise and kindness was palpable and inspiring.

When I returned to the office following this experience, I felt lighter. Not because the work had changed, but because I had. That one afternoon reminded me that the value of my time isn’t measured solely by output, but by the impact it has on others and myself.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s about tuning in. It’s about stepping outside of our routines to rediscover what connects us. And in those eight hours a year, we’re not just encouraged to make a difference—we’re reminded that we can already make a difference.

We encourage you to have your own experiences and connect with the community we all serve. Check out Outreach & Engagement’s webpage for regularly updated opportunities or keep an eye out for General Notice emails. You can also reach out to Henrico’s Volunteer Program Coordinator, Victoria Davis, to get started. It may be the most meaningful meeting you put on your calendar.

For more information on requesting and using volunteer leave, please refer to Section 8.20 of the Policies and Procedures.