Mission Statement:
The Finance Department is committed to providing the customers with the most efficient and courteous service. The Finance Department is responsible for ensuring that all of the City's financial obligations are met in a timely manner and that proper controls are in place for all disbursements of monies.

4305 Santa Fe Ave.
Vernon, CA 90058
Telephone 323 583-8811
Fax: 323 826-1433

Business hours are: Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
City Hall closed Fridays.

Purchasing:

The City of Vernon maintains a central system of purchasing.  The main objective is to purchase supplies, services and equipment for all of the departments of the City.  Our skilled buyers seek the most economical prices with the best quality and prompt delivery in order to ensure the best service.

Buyers:

Dolores Jaunzemis	323 583-8811	ext. 234
Debby Nickens	323 583 8811	ext. 203

Visiting Hours: By appointment only. Please call Dolores Jaunzemis for an appointment. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Gratuities: City policy does not allow the acceptance of gifts. Suppliers are requested to comply with our policy.

Business License:

Contact: Shirley Salas (323)583-8811 ext. 270

All businesses operating in the City of Vernon are required to obtain a business license from the Finance Department before any business is conducted. Contractors are exempt from obtaining a business license.

Business License Application

Business License Fees

Process to obtain a business license:

Frequently Asked Questions about business licenses:

Q. If there is already a business with a business license and occupancy permit in the building that I plan on moving into, do I need to apply for an occupancy permit and a business license?
A. Yes.

Q. If I have a current license for the City of Vernon, and I plan to re-locate in the City of Vernon, can I operate with my current business license?
A. No. You will need to re-apply for an occupancy permit and a separate license.

Q. Will I have to pay for another license and occupancy permit?

A. You will need to apply for an occupancy permit and the fees will be determined by Building Department. Your business license will be determined based on your application.

Q. What application and fee are involved if I want to operate a business in the City of Vernon?
A. Depending on the activity of the business, your fees will be charged accordingly.

Q. We were bought out by another company, the same people still work here, the operation of the business still remains the same, we are still working in the same building, the only thing that has changed is ownership. Do we need a new license?
A. Yes. Each entity must file its own business license.

Q. We are restructuring the business, the only thing that is changing is the federal tax identification number. Do we need another license?
A. Anytime the federal tax identification number changes, a new license needs to be filled out as well as new fees.

Q. We are only going to be here a couple of months and we need a place for storage, do we need a license?
A. Yes.

Q. I have only one company but I am going to do business in multiple locations in the City of Vernon, can I operate under one business license?
A. No. You are required a separate license for each location. Example, If you are doing business in 5 separate locations, you will need to obtain 5 separate licenses.

Business License Application and Fee Summary is as follows:

Parcel Tax:

The City of Vernon has imposed a special tax of .22 cents per square foot on parcels of real property used or designed for use as a warehouse, truck terminal, freight terminal, railroad facility or other distribution facility. Refrigerated warehouses and those warehouses which pay a sales tax to the City of Vernon of at least .22 cents per square foot during the fiscal year are providing a contribution which will offset some of the detrimental effects that such businesses may have on the City of Vernon during the year and therefore, are exempt from the special parcel tax for that year.

Alarm Permit:

Every alarm user shall obtain from the Finance Department an alarm system permit for each alarm system it operates in the City of Vernon and shall display or post permit in a conspicuous place on the premises where the alarm system is located. An alarm system is any device designed for the protection from any unauthorized entry on or into any building, place or premises, or for alerting others of the commission of an unlawful act, or both.

Alarm permit and application

Budgeting Section: Any questions concerning budget or financial reporting, please contact Sharon Duckworth
Telephone: (323) 583-8811 ext. 228
Fax: (323) 826-1421