Finance

Services provided by the Finance Division include:

Accounting, Audit and Financial Reporting

Business License

Finance Administration

Treasury Management

Budget Management

Revenue Management

Water Customer Service, Billing, Payment Processing

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.

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 Management

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.

Water Customer Service, Billing, and Payment Processing

The City of Covina is committed to planning, protecting, operating, and maintaining the potable water system of the City in a manner that ensures the cost-effective delivery of adequate, high-quality water resources to its customers. The City provides all services related to water delivery including billing and payment processing. For any questions regarding water services, please contact the City of Covina at water@covinaca.gov or (626) 384-5230.

Budgets & Reports

Budget

The annual budget reflects anticipated revenues and appropriations as authorized by the City Council. Our budget book is now online and available at the following link:

FY 2024-2025 Budget

Supporting Documents

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).

Supporting Documents

Fee 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 Covina@hdlgov.com 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 2024

New Business License List for 2023

New Business License List for 2022

New Business License List for 2021

New Business License List for 2020

New Business License List for 2019

New Business License List for 2018

New Business License List for 2017

Unclaimed Property

Public Notice of Unclaimed 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.

This is a public notice that the City of Covina (“City”) is in possession of certain refundable monies, in the total amount of $52,646.34. The City has identified in excess of 312 potential claimants for these monies. A specific list of unclaimed monies and individual names of potential claimants is available on the City of Covina’s website (supporting documents below) and at the Administrative Services Department – Finance Division.

The above funds were collected/received by the City of Covina from the above persons. The funds have been deposited into the City’s 1010-0000-22010 Account (“Unclaimed Property”). Pursuant to Government Code section 50050 et seq., it is proposed the Unclaimed Property shall become the property of the City on May 16, 2024.

Anyone who has a legal claim to the Unclaimed Property must file a written claim with the Administrative Services Deputy Director on or before May 9, 2024, at the address provided below. The claim must identify the name of the claimant, the claimant’s current address and phone number, the amount claimed, and the grounds on which the claim is founded. The Administrative Services Deputy Director has the right to demand further proof of identity and other facts to establish any claim, and may accept or reject a claim. If the claim is rejected, the claimant may file a verified complaint seeking to recover all, or a designated part, of the Unclaimed Property in a court of competent jurisdiction within Los Angeles County and serve a copy of the complaint and summons upon the Administrative Services Deputy Director. A copy of the complaint and summons must be served within thirty (30) days of receiving the City’s notice the claim was rejected. Further information regarding the Unclaimed Property may be obtained from the Administrative Services Deputy Director, City of Covina, 125 E. College Street, Covina, California 91723.

/s/ Fabian Velez

Chief Deputy City Clerk

Published: San Gabriel Valley Examiner on Thursday, March 28, 2024

San Gabriel Valley Examiner on Thursday, April 4, 2024

Posted: San Gabriel Valley Examiner on Thursday, March 28, 2024 ”

This is a public notice that the City of Covina (“City”) is in possession of certain refundable monies, in the total amount of $43,257.17. The City has identified in excess of 180 potential claimants for these monies. A specific list of unclaimed monies and individual names of potential claimants is available on the City of Covina’s website and at the Administrative Services Department – Finance Division.
The above funds were collected/received by the City of Covina from the above persons. The funds have been deposited into the City’s 1010-0000-22010 Account (“Unclaimed Property”). Pursuant to Government Code section 50050 et seq., it is proposed the Unclaimed Property shall become the property of the City on April 13th, 2023.
Anyone who has a legal claim to the Unclaimed Property must file a written claim with the Administrative Services Director on or before April 6, 2023, at the address provided below. The claim must identify the name of the claimant, the claimant’s current address and phone number, the amount claimed, and the grounds on which the claim is founded. The Administrative Services Director has the right to demand further proof of identity and other facts to establish any claim, and may accept or reject a claim. If the claim is rejected, the claimant may file a verified complaint seeking to recover all, or a designated part, of the Unclaimed Property in a court of competent jurisdiction within Los Angeles County and serve a copy of the complaint and summons upon the Administrative Services Director. A copy of the complaint and summons must be served within thirty (30) days of receiving the City’s notice the claim was rejected. Further information regarding the Unclaimed Property may be obtained from the Administrative Services Director, City of Covina, 125 E. College Street, Covina, California 91723.
Fabian Velez, Deputy City Clerk

Published: San Gabriel Valley Examiner on Thursday, February 23rd and March 2nd, 2023
Posted: San Gabriel Valley Examiner on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023

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

Fraud Prevention and Detection Policy

Supporting Documents

Fraud Detection Policy

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: water@covinaca.gov 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 water@covinaca.gov 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.

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 Application

https://covinaca.gov/

Stop Water Application

https://covinaca.gov/