Richmond is asking Chevron to stop pursuing a multimillion-dollar tax refund because the corporation doesn't really need the money.

The City Council on Tuesday proclaimed that Chevron would create a "win-win" situation for everyone if it would drop its appeal of property taxes on its Richmond refinery.

"If Chevron were to withdraw all of its property tax appeals, it would remain a highly successful and profitable corporation," the council resolution stated. In contrast, the city would have to make "drastic" cuts to issue a refund.

Chevron's appeal case opened in October and is expected to stretch through December.

If the Contra Costa Assessment Appeals Board agrees with Chevron, cities, fire districts, schools and other agencies would have to repay as much as $100 million in taxes Chevron says it overpaid from 2007 through 2009.

Despite the city's plea, Chevron will continue its appeal, said spokeswoman Melissa Ritchie, because it is important to confirm that its property taxes are based on a fair assessment.

"We'll continue to work with the county for a fair and equitable resolution," Ritchie said in an email. "It is important that the refinery remain economically viable so we can, as Richmond's largest taxpayer and employer, continue to have a positive impact on the economy."

On Tuesday, a chorus of residents cast Chevron as the epitome of the "1 percent" said to most benefit from the economy and scoffed at the donations the corporation gives to local nonprofits.