Finance – Covina

City of Covina Finance

About the Finance Division

Department Overview

The Finance Division of the Administrative Services Department is responsible for the overall financial operations of the City, the Successor Agency to the

Goals and Objectives

Provide exemplary customer service to our citizens and City departments by adopting a customer service focused environment.
Prepare and implement sound financial policies.
Maintain a strong system of internal controls throughout the City.
Facilitate and monitor the City’s budget process and provide information for decision making to City Council, and taxpayers in order to produce a balanced and fiscally responsible budget.
Prepare and disseminate accurate financial information to employees, City Council, bondholders and outside agencies in a timely and efficient manner.
Manage cash flow and improve return on investments.

Services provided by the finance Division include:

Finance Administration
Accounting, Audit and Financial reporting
Budget Management
Treasury Management
Revenue Management
Business License
Water Customer Service, Billing, Payment Processing
Accounts Payable
Payroll

Accounting, Audit, and Financial Reporting

The Finance Division prepares the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the quarterly Treasurer’s Report, the Annual State Controller’s reports, and other budgetary reports. Finance also coordinates the annual single and special audits.

Finance accounts for all revenues and expenditures for the City and Successor Agency, reviews and implements internal controls over a variety of processes throughout the City, processes payroll, manages accounts payable and receivable and administers grants and capital project funds.

Business License

Finance coordinates with HdL, the contracted service provider, to ensure proper administration and enforcement of the City’s business license registration tax and business district assessment fees. HdL’s service includes administering business license renewals, new business applications, audits to ensure businesses are in compliance with the requirements, and a mechanism for City departments to identify all City regulatory requirements needed to approve the application. A business license processing fee helps support the activity.

Finance Administration

Administrative responsibilities of the Finance Division include development and recommendation of fiscal policies, guidance to the City Council, and administration of the City’s financial system.

Treasury Management

Finance is responsible for managing cash, investments and debt service of the City and SACRA. The investment portfolio is monitored for compliance with the City’s investment policy which is prepared annually by Finance and submitted to the City Council for approval. The department also coordinates the periodic user fee study for adoption by the City Council.

Budget

Under the direction of the City Manager, Finance coordinates and prepares the annual budget and calculates the Gann limit. The department monitors compliance with adopted budget policies, posts department initiated and Council approved budget amendments in the general ledger system, and prepares a mid-year review and reports to City Council.

Revenue Management

The City cashier is part of the Finance Division. The cashier receives and records payments for various City services including water, permits, and other customer payments. In addition, the cashier provides information on various City programs, departments, and events.

City of Accounts Payable

Accounts payable checks are processed every week on Thursday. Completed documentation must be submitted to Finance by Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. of the check run week in order to meet processing deadlines. A list of checks processed can be found on the City Council Agenda.

Contact Information

[email protected]
(626) 384-5504

Budgets & Reports

Budget

The annual budget reflects anticipated revenues and appropriations as authorized by the City Council.

Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) includes audited financial reports prepared in compliance with the accounting requirements established by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

Free Schedule

Government Code Section 66014 et al. allows local agencies to charge fees for various activities as long as those fees do not exceed the estimated reasonable costs of the provided service for which the fee is intended.

Business License

Starting a Business in the City of Covina

The City of Covina welcomes you to its business community. Starting a business can be an exciting and challenging time. We wish you great success in your new venture!

The City of Covina requires a business license for all businesses operating in the City. A business license is required regardless of the trade, profession or occupation and regardless of whether the main business address is located within the City. Business licenses expire on December 31st each year and must be renewed annually.

IMPORTANT: If your business is located within the City of Covina, you will need to complete the Business License packet before applying for a business license. The packet provides step-by-step instructions on how to complete and submit the required forms. You can download a copy of the packet here.

If you need further assistance or help applying for a business license, you are welcome to contact us at [email protected] or by phone at (626) 384-5512. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Alarm Permit Requirement: If your business is operated from a commercial location inside the City of Covina you are required to register your alarm company and/or security provider. You can apply for an alarm permit online by visiting http://www.famspermit.com/covina or you may download a copy of the alarm permit application by clicking here.

Business License Listings

Supporting Documents

New Business License List for 2017

New Business License List for 2018

New Business License List for 2019

New Business License List for 2020

New Business License List for 2021

New Business License List for 2022

Fraud Prevention and Detection Policy

Supporting Documents

Fraud Detection Policy

Unclaimed Property

Public Notice of Unclamed Money Held By the City of Covina

The City of Covina is holding onto $22,747.89 in unclaimed funds. Over 161 potential claimants have been have been identified. The complete list of unclaimed funds and names of potential claimants can be found on the City of Covina’s website or at the administrative Services Department – Finance Division.

Important Dates:

March 4, 2021: Deadline for submitting a written claim to the Administrative Services Director.
March 15, 2021: The unclaimed funds will become the property of the City if not claimed by then.

How to Claim:

Submit a written claim to the Administrative Services Director by March 4, 2021.
Include the following information in the claim:
- Name of the claimant
- Current address and phone number
- Amount claimed
- Grounds on which the claim is founded.

The Administrative Services Director may demand further proof of identity and other facts to establish the claim and may accept or reject it. If the claim is rejected, the claimant may file a complaint in a court of competent jurisdiction within Los Angels County. Further information regarding the unclaimed property can be obtained from the Administrative Services Director at the address below.

Contact Information :
Administrative Services Director
City of Covina
125 E. College Street
Covina, California 91723

/s/Georgianna Nicole Alvarez
Chief Deputy City Clerk

Published in the San Gabriel Valley Examiner on Thursday, January 21, 2021, and Thursday, January 28, 2021.

Supporting Documents

Water Billing & Service

Water Utility Billing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I haven't received a bill - how do I determine the current amount due?

Answer:

Email or Call ahead: [email protected] or (626) 384-5230
Payment options - in person via check/ cc, drop box, mail, automated phone payment - (855) 230-7396, web - www.eonlinebill.com/bapp/covina/indexl. Note that payments made online or through the automated phone options may not post for up to 2 business days.
Payments can be mailed directly to the City of Covina, Finance Division, 125 E. College Street Covina, CA 91723-2199, or customers can make payments at the City Hall Cashier Window during business hours (Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).

Is Auto Pay available?

Answer:

The water bills contain a QR code which enables customers to pay online and set up Auto-Pay features. You may also sign up for accounts access at www.eonlinebill.com/bapp/covina/indexl to view account balance, billing history, and set up Auto-Pay.

Does the City of Covina operate its water system?

Answer:

City of Covina staff members manage the water system and its infrastructure, including water mains, reservoirs, pumps, water testing and related equipment. Since 2020, the City has contracted with AVR to provide water billing for the water system. This includes providing an online customer portal, billing services, electronic meter reading, credit card processing and management of a work order system for water customers.

Other FAQs

Who can I contact regarding billing questions?

Answer:

Please contact the Water Customer Service at (626) 384-5230, via email at [email protected] or visit us at http://www.covinaca.gov/publicworks.

Question: Who can I contact regarding after-hours water emergencies (water leaks, broken mains, etc.)?

During weekends and holidays, please call Covina Police Department Dispatch at (626) 384-5808. Note that you may be charged additional fees if you call to establish/re-connect service outside of normal business hours.

Who can I contact regarding after-hours water emergencies (water leaks, broken mains, etc.)?

Answer:

Is there Covid-19 Rent or Utility Relief available?

Answer:

For those experiencing financial hardship due to Covid-19, please visithttps://housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/index.html or call 833-430-2122 to apply for financial assistance.

For more information, please visithttp://www.covinaca.gov/ or contact us at (626) 384-5230. You can also visit us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram under City of Covina.

Water Payment Dropbox

A secure dropbox is located on the south side of City Hall at 125 East College Street. Note that payments received in the dropbox may not post to your account until the next business day.

In Person Payments

Covina City Hall
Finance Department
125 East College Street
Covina, CA 91723

Business hours – 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Closed on Fridays

Contact Information

For water billing or account inquiries, call (626) 384-5230 during business hours. For water service or non-emergency issues outside of business hours, leave a message at the same number and expect a response the next business day. In case of emergency water service after hours, call the Covina Police Department at (626) 384-5808 (note: after-hour service fees may apply). For sewage overflow, sewer backup, or missing manhole cover, notify Public Works Department during business hours at (626) 384-5220 or after hours at (626) 384-5808.

Needs Assistance Paying Your Covina Water Bill?

Customers who meet the income guidelines and provide necessary documentation may qualify for reduced fees on their water bill.

On October 18, 2011, the Covina City Council approved a financial assistance program for low income customers of the City Water Utility. To qualify for the exemption, customers must meet the criteria already used by the City Finance Department for a Utility User Tax (UUT) exemption.

Utility Users Tax and Low Income Exemption

Covina has a voter-approved Utility Users Tax of 6% levied on all water, electricity, natural gas, telephone, and cable television service.

Low Income Tax-Exempt Information

Residents may qualify for exemption from the utility user’s tax if they meet the income guidelines and provide the necessary documentation. For additional information, refer the guidlines below.

(Attachment) UUT Exemption- Low Income Guidelines and Application 2022-2023 https://covinaca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/public_works/page/464/low_income_application_2022-2023.pdf

Request to Start/Stop Water Service

Please contact (626) 384-5230 to start or stop water service. Note that accounts requesting after-hours water services, including connections, are subject to after-hour service fees.

To establish a new service account, please complete the application found below.

Start Water Service Application

https://covinaca.gov/

Stop Water Service Application

https://covinaca.gov/