Richmond’s former DPU director was fired after taking back her resignation

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- April Bingham, the former director of Richmond's Department of Utilities (DPU), was fired from her position after she rescinded her resignation. This news comes after city officials previously described the resignation -- submitted just after the January water crisis came to an end -- as "amicable."

Richmond DPU was -- and remains -- under significant scrutiny following the water crisis that rocked the Richmond area from Jan. 6 to Jan. 11. It impacted the water service of not just those in the city, but residents across Henrico, Hanover and Goochland counties, as well.

Four days after water service was restored, on Jan. 15, Bingham tendered her resignation. In an interview with 8News that same day, Mayor Danny Avula said the decision had been "amicable."

“It was an amicable separation,” Avula said at the time. “She has been remarkable in her assessment, her responsiveness and her being helpful.”

However, a new statement made by the city has revealed that Bingham attempted to get her job back seven days later, on Jan. 23. In response, the city terminated her.

The full statement given by the spokesperson is as follows:

"On Jan. 15, Miss Bingham resigned from employment at the city of Richmond. On Jan. 23, she rescinded her resignation. Miss Bingham was then issued a letter of termination. As this is a personnel matter, we cannot comment further."  Ross Catrow, Interim Director of Richmond's Office of Strategic Communications

At the time of Bingham's resignation, Scott Morris was appointed interim director of Richmond DPU. He continues to serve in this role as of the time of reporting.

No additional information is available as of the time of reporting.

This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.