Audit 21308

FY End
2022-06-30
Total Expended
$27.81M
Findings
16
Programs
7
Organization: Tallahassee Housing Authority (FL)
Year: 2022 Accepted: 2023-03-15

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
16688 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes E
16689 2022-003 Significant Deficiency - N
16690 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes E
16691 2022-003 Significant Deficiency - N
16692 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes E
16693 2022-003 Significant Deficiency - N
16694 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes E
16695 2022-003 Significant Deficiency - N
593130 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes E
593131 2022-003 Significant Deficiency - N
593132 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes E
593133 2022-003 Significant Deficiency - N
593134 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes E
593135 2022-003 Significant Deficiency - N
593136 2022-002 Significant Deficiency Yes E
593137 2022-003 Significant Deficiency - N

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $20.57M Yes 2
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $3.20M Yes 0
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $3.01M - 0
14.879 Mainstream Vouchers $704,497 Yes 2
14.871 Emergency Housing Voucher $252,344 Yes 2
14.896 Family Self-Sufficiency Program $62,541 - 0
14.879 Covid-19 Mainstream Vouchers $15,095 Yes 2

Contacts

Name Title Type
YZA4MLDHH9G7 Brenda Williams Auditee
8503856126 Sergio Gonzalez Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Accounting Policies: This schedule includes the federal grant activity of the Tallahassee Housing Authority and is presentedon the full accrual basis of accounting. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance (Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 200, UniformAdministrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards). Therefore,some amounts presented in this schedule may differ from amounts presented in, or used in the preparationof the basic financial statements. The Authority has not elected to use the 10% deminimis cost rate. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The auditee did not use the de minimis cost rate.

Finding Details

2022-002 Eligibility ? Tenant Files Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Repeat finding from June 30, 2021 as Finding 2021-001 (initially reported June 30, 2010) Condition: Out of a total tenant population of approximately 2,100 tenants, 25 files were selected for testing. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where the wrong amount was used to calculate tenant?s wage income. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where overtime earnings was not included in calculating tenant?s wage income. This caused HAP rent to decrease by $11. ? 1 error where the utility allowance was calculated incorrectly. This caused the HAP rent to decrease by $61. ? 1 error where the prior year utility allowance schedule was used instead of the current year. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where adoption subsidy benefits were calculated incorrectly as well as the amount excluded from income. This decreased HAP rent by $9. ? 1 error where $1,753 in unreimbursed medical expenses was carried forward from the prior year 50058 and file had no support for any medical expenses in current year. This decreased HAP rent by $22 ? 1 error where there was no EIV report in file In addition to the above, we noted the following during our new admissions testing (21 new admissions tested): ? 1 error where there was no signed 214 affidavit in the file for one member of the household Criteria: 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure compliance with HUD requirements, as well as maintain complete and accurate tenant files. In addition, the Authority?s administrative plan also requires following proper procedures for determination of HAP and documentation in the tenant files. Questioned Costs: None. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding eligibility and tenant recertifications, which could result in incorrect total tenant payments for rent and HAP payments to landlords. Cause: Procedures to ensure compliance with all of the HUD requirements were not being fully implemented. Recommendation: The Authority should correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and utilize an ongoing quality control review process on the entire tenant population to ensure proper compliance with the requirements related to tenant eligibility. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will implement review procedures and provide ongoing training to staff.
2022-003 Special Tests and Provisions ? Housing Quality Standards Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: Out of a total population of 166 failed inspections, 17 failed inspections were selected for testing in a statistically valid sample. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where unit never passed inspection and the Authority continued to make HAP payments when the contract should have been abated. Criteria: For units under HAP contract that fail to meet HQS, the PHA must require the owner to correct any life threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours after the inspections and all other HQS deficiencies within 30 calendar days or within a specified PHA-approved extension. If the owner does not correct the cited HQS deficiencies within the specified correction period, the PHA must stop (abate) HAPs beginning no later than the first of the month following the specified correction period or must terminate the HAP contract. Cause: Compliance with all of the HUD requirements was not being carefully followed and the Authority lacked procedures for proper oversight and review of employees performing these compliance procedures. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding Housing Quality Standards, which could result in tenants living in unsafe conditions. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: The Authority should more closely monitor failed inspections to make sure that any units that have not passed re-inspection are not issued HAP payments until all repairs are made, and the HAP contract is terminated for any unit for which the owner has not made repairs within the allowed timeframe. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will establish more review, oversight and training for the staff responsible for these procedures.
2022-002 Eligibility ? Tenant Files Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Repeat finding from June 30, 2021 as Finding 2021-001 (initially reported June 30, 2010) Condition: Out of a total tenant population of approximately 2,100 tenants, 25 files were selected for testing. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where the wrong amount was used to calculate tenant?s wage income. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where overtime earnings was not included in calculating tenant?s wage income. This caused HAP rent to decrease by $11. ? 1 error where the utility allowance was calculated incorrectly. This caused the HAP rent to decrease by $61. ? 1 error where the prior year utility allowance schedule was used instead of the current year. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where adoption subsidy benefits were calculated incorrectly as well as the amount excluded from income. This decreased HAP rent by $9. ? 1 error where $1,753 in unreimbursed medical expenses was carried forward from the prior year 50058 and file had no support for any medical expenses in current year. This decreased HAP rent by $22 ? 1 error where there was no EIV report in file In addition to the above, we noted the following during our new admissions testing (21 new admissions tested): ? 1 error where there was no signed 214 affidavit in the file for one member of the household Criteria: 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure compliance with HUD requirements, as well as maintain complete and accurate tenant files. In addition, the Authority?s administrative plan also requires following proper procedures for determination of HAP and documentation in the tenant files. Questioned Costs: None. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding eligibility and tenant recertifications, which could result in incorrect total tenant payments for rent and HAP payments to landlords. Cause: Procedures to ensure compliance with all of the HUD requirements were not being fully implemented. Recommendation: The Authority should correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and utilize an ongoing quality control review process on the entire tenant population to ensure proper compliance with the requirements related to tenant eligibility. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will implement review procedures and provide ongoing training to staff.
2022-003 Special Tests and Provisions ? Housing Quality Standards Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: Out of a total population of 166 failed inspections, 17 failed inspections were selected for testing in a statistically valid sample. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where unit never passed inspection and the Authority continued to make HAP payments when the contract should have been abated. Criteria: For units under HAP contract that fail to meet HQS, the PHA must require the owner to correct any life threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours after the inspections and all other HQS deficiencies within 30 calendar days or within a specified PHA-approved extension. If the owner does not correct the cited HQS deficiencies within the specified correction period, the PHA must stop (abate) HAPs beginning no later than the first of the month following the specified correction period or must terminate the HAP contract. Cause: Compliance with all of the HUD requirements was not being carefully followed and the Authority lacked procedures for proper oversight and review of employees performing these compliance procedures. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding Housing Quality Standards, which could result in tenants living in unsafe conditions. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: The Authority should more closely monitor failed inspections to make sure that any units that have not passed re-inspection are not issued HAP payments until all repairs are made, and the HAP contract is terminated for any unit for which the owner has not made repairs within the allowed timeframe. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will establish more review, oversight and training for the staff responsible for these procedures.
2022-002 Eligibility ? Tenant Files Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Repeat finding from June 30, 2021 as Finding 2021-001 (initially reported June 30, 2010) Condition: Out of a total tenant population of approximately 2,100 tenants, 25 files were selected for testing. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where the wrong amount was used to calculate tenant?s wage income. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where overtime earnings was not included in calculating tenant?s wage income. This caused HAP rent to decrease by $11. ? 1 error where the utility allowance was calculated incorrectly. This caused the HAP rent to decrease by $61. ? 1 error where the prior year utility allowance schedule was used instead of the current year. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where adoption subsidy benefits were calculated incorrectly as well as the amount excluded from income. This decreased HAP rent by $9. ? 1 error where $1,753 in unreimbursed medical expenses was carried forward from the prior year 50058 and file had no support for any medical expenses in current year. This decreased HAP rent by $22 ? 1 error where there was no EIV report in file In addition to the above, we noted the following during our new admissions testing (21 new admissions tested): ? 1 error where there was no signed 214 affidavit in the file for one member of the household Criteria: 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure compliance with HUD requirements, as well as maintain complete and accurate tenant files. In addition, the Authority?s administrative plan also requires following proper procedures for determination of HAP and documentation in the tenant files. Questioned Costs: None. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding eligibility and tenant recertifications, which could result in incorrect total tenant payments for rent and HAP payments to landlords. Cause: Procedures to ensure compliance with all of the HUD requirements were not being fully implemented. Recommendation: The Authority should correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and utilize an ongoing quality control review process on the entire tenant population to ensure proper compliance with the requirements related to tenant eligibility. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will implement review procedures and provide ongoing training to staff.
2022-003 Special Tests and Provisions ? Housing Quality Standards Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: Out of a total population of 166 failed inspections, 17 failed inspections were selected for testing in a statistically valid sample. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where unit never passed inspection and the Authority continued to make HAP payments when the contract should have been abated. Criteria: For units under HAP contract that fail to meet HQS, the PHA must require the owner to correct any life threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours after the inspections and all other HQS deficiencies within 30 calendar days or within a specified PHA-approved extension. If the owner does not correct the cited HQS deficiencies within the specified correction period, the PHA must stop (abate) HAPs beginning no later than the first of the month following the specified correction period or must terminate the HAP contract. Cause: Compliance with all of the HUD requirements was not being carefully followed and the Authority lacked procedures for proper oversight and review of employees performing these compliance procedures. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding Housing Quality Standards, which could result in tenants living in unsafe conditions. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: The Authority should more closely monitor failed inspections to make sure that any units that have not passed re-inspection are not issued HAP payments until all repairs are made, and the HAP contract is terminated for any unit for which the owner has not made repairs within the allowed timeframe. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will establish more review, oversight and training for the staff responsible for these procedures.
2022-002 Eligibility ? Tenant Files Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Repeat finding from June 30, 2021 as Finding 2021-001 (initially reported June 30, 2010) Condition: Out of a total tenant population of approximately 2,100 tenants, 25 files were selected for testing. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where the wrong amount was used to calculate tenant?s wage income. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where overtime earnings was not included in calculating tenant?s wage income. This caused HAP rent to decrease by $11. ? 1 error where the utility allowance was calculated incorrectly. This caused the HAP rent to decrease by $61. ? 1 error where the prior year utility allowance schedule was used instead of the current year. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where adoption subsidy benefits were calculated incorrectly as well as the amount excluded from income. This decreased HAP rent by $9. ? 1 error where $1,753 in unreimbursed medical expenses was carried forward from the prior year 50058 and file had no support for any medical expenses in current year. This decreased HAP rent by $22 ? 1 error where there was no EIV report in file In addition to the above, we noted the following during our new admissions testing (21 new admissions tested): ? 1 error where there was no signed 214 affidavit in the file for one member of the household Criteria: 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure compliance with HUD requirements, as well as maintain complete and accurate tenant files. In addition, the Authority?s administrative plan also requires following proper procedures for determination of HAP and documentation in the tenant files. Questioned Costs: None. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding eligibility and tenant recertifications, which could result in incorrect total tenant payments for rent and HAP payments to landlords. Cause: Procedures to ensure compliance with all of the HUD requirements were not being fully implemented. Recommendation: The Authority should correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and utilize an ongoing quality control review process on the entire tenant population to ensure proper compliance with the requirements related to tenant eligibility. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will implement review procedures and provide ongoing training to staff.
2022-003 Special Tests and Provisions ? Housing Quality Standards Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: Out of a total population of 166 failed inspections, 17 failed inspections were selected for testing in a statistically valid sample. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where unit never passed inspection and the Authority continued to make HAP payments when the contract should have been abated. Criteria: For units under HAP contract that fail to meet HQS, the PHA must require the owner to correct any life threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours after the inspections and all other HQS deficiencies within 30 calendar days or within a specified PHA-approved extension. If the owner does not correct the cited HQS deficiencies within the specified correction period, the PHA must stop (abate) HAPs beginning no later than the first of the month following the specified correction period or must terminate the HAP contract. Cause: Compliance with all of the HUD requirements was not being carefully followed and the Authority lacked procedures for proper oversight and review of employees performing these compliance procedures. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding Housing Quality Standards, which could result in tenants living in unsafe conditions. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: The Authority should more closely monitor failed inspections to make sure that any units that have not passed re-inspection are not issued HAP payments until all repairs are made, and the HAP contract is terminated for any unit for which the owner has not made repairs within the allowed timeframe. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will establish more review, oversight and training for the staff responsible for these procedures.
2022-002 Eligibility ? Tenant Files Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Repeat finding from June 30, 2021 as Finding 2021-001 (initially reported June 30, 2010) Condition: Out of a total tenant population of approximately 2,100 tenants, 25 files were selected for testing. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where the wrong amount was used to calculate tenant?s wage income. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where overtime earnings was not included in calculating tenant?s wage income. This caused HAP rent to decrease by $11. ? 1 error where the utility allowance was calculated incorrectly. This caused the HAP rent to decrease by $61. ? 1 error where the prior year utility allowance schedule was used instead of the current year. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where adoption subsidy benefits were calculated incorrectly as well as the amount excluded from income. This decreased HAP rent by $9. ? 1 error where $1,753 in unreimbursed medical expenses was carried forward from the prior year 50058 and file had no support for any medical expenses in current year. This decreased HAP rent by $22 ? 1 error where there was no EIV report in file In addition to the above, we noted the following during our new admissions testing (21 new admissions tested): ? 1 error where there was no signed 214 affidavit in the file for one member of the household Criteria: 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure compliance with HUD requirements, as well as maintain complete and accurate tenant files. In addition, the Authority?s administrative plan also requires following proper procedures for determination of HAP and documentation in the tenant files. Questioned Costs: None. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding eligibility and tenant recertifications, which could result in incorrect total tenant payments for rent and HAP payments to landlords. Cause: Procedures to ensure compliance with all of the HUD requirements were not being fully implemented. Recommendation: The Authority should correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and utilize an ongoing quality control review process on the entire tenant population to ensure proper compliance with the requirements related to tenant eligibility. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will implement review procedures and provide ongoing training to staff.
2022-003 Special Tests and Provisions ? Housing Quality Standards Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: Out of a total population of 166 failed inspections, 17 failed inspections were selected for testing in a statistically valid sample. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where unit never passed inspection and the Authority continued to make HAP payments when the contract should have been abated. Criteria: For units under HAP contract that fail to meet HQS, the PHA must require the owner to correct any life threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours after the inspections and all other HQS deficiencies within 30 calendar days or within a specified PHA-approved extension. If the owner does not correct the cited HQS deficiencies within the specified correction period, the PHA must stop (abate) HAPs beginning no later than the first of the month following the specified correction period or must terminate the HAP contract. Cause: Compliance with all of the HUD requirements was not being carefully followed and the Authority lacked procedures for proper oversight and review of employees performing these compliance procedures. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding Housing Quality Standards, which could result in tenants living in unsafe conditions. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: The Authority should more closely monitor failed inspections to make sure that any units that have not passed re-inspection are not issued HAP payments until all repairs are made, and the HAP contract is terminated for any unit for which the owner has not made repairs within the allowed timeframe. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will establish more review, oversight and training for the staff responsible for these procedures.
2022-002 Eligibility ? Tenant Files Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Repeat finding from June 30, 2021 as Finding 2021-001 (initially reported June 30, 2010) Condition: Out of a total tenant population of approximately 2,100 tenants, 25 files were selected for testing. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where the wrong amount was used to calculate tenant?s wage income. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where overtime earnings was not included in calculating tenant?s wage income. This caused HAP rent to decrease by $11. ? 1 error where the utility allowance was calculated incorrectly. This caused the HAP rent to decrease by $61. ? 1 error where the prior year utility allowance schedule was used instead of the current year. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where adoption subsidy benefits were calculated incorrectly as well as the amount excluded from income. This decreased HAP rent by $9. ? 1 error where $1,753 in unreimbursed medical expenses was carried forward from the prior year 50058 and file had no support for any medical expenses in current year. This decreased HAP rent by $22 ? 1 error where there was no EIV report in file In addition to the above, we noted the following during our new admissions testing (21 new admissions tested): ? 1 error where there was no signed 214 affidavit in the file for one member of the household Criteria: 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure compliance with HUD requirements, as well as maintain complete and accurate tenant files. In addition, the Authority?s administrative plan also requires following proper procedures for determination of HAP and documentation in the tenant files. Questioned Costs: None. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding eligibility and tenant recertifications, which could result in incorrect total tenant payments for rent and HAP payments to landlords. Cause: Procedures to ensure compliance with all of the HUD requirements were not being fully implemented. Recommendation: The Authority should correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and utilize an ongoing quality control review process on the entire tenant population to ensure proper compliance with the requirements related to tenant eligibility. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will implement review procedures and provide ongoing training to staff.
2022-003 Special Tests and Provisions ? Housing Quality Standards Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: Out of a total population of 166 failed inspections, 17 failed inspections were selected for testing in a statistically valid sample. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where unit never passed inspection and the Authority continued to make HAP payments when the contract should have been abated. Criteria: For units under HAP contract that fail to meet HQS, the PHA must require the owner to correct any life threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours after the inspections and all other HQS deficiencies within 30 calendar days or within a specified PHA-approved extension. If the owner does not correct the cited HQS deficiencies within the specified correction period, the PHA must stop (abate) HAPs beginning no later than the first of the month following the specified correction period or must terminate the HAP contract. Cause: Compliance with all of the HUD requirements was not being carefully followed and the Authority lacked procedures for proper oversight and review of employees performing these compliance procedures. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding Housing Quality Standards, which could result in tenants living in unsafe conditions. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: The Authority should more closely monitor failed inspections to make sure that any units that have not passed re-inspection are not issued HAP payments until all repairs are made, and the HAP contract is terminated for any unit for which the owner has not made repairs within the allowed timeframe. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will establish more review, oversight and training for the staff responsible for these procedures.
2022-002 Eligibility ? Tenant Files Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Repeat finding from June 30, 2021 as Finding 2021-001 (initially reported June 30, 2010) Condition: Out of a total tenant population of approximately 2,100 tenants, 25 files were selected for testing. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where the wrong amount was used to calculate tenant?s wage income. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where overtime earnings was not included in calculating tenant?s wage income. This caused HAP rent to decrease by $11. ? 1 error where the utility allowance was calculated incorrectly. This caused the HAP rent to decrease by $61. ? 1 error where the prior year utility allowance schedule was used instead of the current year. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where adoption subsidy benefits were calculated incorrectly as well as the amount excluded from income. This decreased HAP rent by $9. ? 1 error where $1,753 in unreimbursed medical expenses was carried forward from the prior year 50058 and file had no support for any medical expenses in current year. This decreased HAP rent by $22 ? 1 error where there was no EIV report in file In addition to the above, we noted the following during our new admissions testing (21 new admissions tested): ? 1 error where there was no signed 214 affidavit in the file for one member of the household Criteria: 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure compliance with HUD requirements, as well as maintain complete and accurate tenant files. In addition, the Authority?s administrative plan also requires following proper procedures for determination of HAP and documentation in the tenant files. Questioned Costs: None. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding eligibility and tenant recertifications, which could result in incorrect total tenant payments for rent and HAP payments to landlords. Cause: Procedures to ensure compliance with all of the HUD requirements were not being fully implemented. Recommendation: The Authority should correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and utilize an ongoing quality control review process on the entire tenant population to ensure proper compliance with the requirements related to tenant eligibility. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will implement review procedures and provide ongoing training to staff.
2022-003 Special Tests and Provisions ? Housing Quality Standards Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: Out of a total population of 166 failed inspections, 17 failed inspections were selected for testing in a statistically valid sample. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where unit never passed inspection and the Authority continued to make HAP payments when the contract should have been abated. Criteria: For units under HAP contract that fail to meet HQS, the PHA must require the owner to correct any life threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours after the inspections and all other HQS deficiencies within 30 calendar days or within a specified PHA-approved extension. If the owner does not correct the cited HQS deficiencies within the specified correction period, the PHA must stop (abate) HAPs beginning no later than the first of the month following the specified correction period or must terminate the HAP contract. Cause: Compliance with all of the HUD requirements was not being carefully followed and the Authority lacked procedures for proper oversight and review of employees performing these compliance procedures. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding Housing Quality Standards, which could result in tenants living in unsafe conditions. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: The Authority should more closely monitor failed inspections to make sure that any units that have not passed re-inspection are not issued HAP payments until all repairs are made, and the HAP contract is terminated for any unit for which the owner has not made repairs within the allowed timeframe. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will establish more review, oversight and training for the staff responsible for these procedures.
2022-002 Eligibility ? Tenant Files Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Repeat finding from June 30, 2021 as Finding 2021-001 (initially reported June 30, 2010) Condition: Out of a total tenant population of approximately 2,100 tenants, 25 files were selected for testing. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where the wrong amount was used to calculate tenant?s wage income. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where overtime earnings was not included in calculating tenant?s wage income. This caused HAP rent to decrease by $11. ? 1 error where the utility allowance was calculated incorrectly. This caused the HAP rent to decrease by $61. ? 1 error where the prior year utility allowance schedule was used instead of the current year. This had no effect on HAP rent. ? 1 error where adoption subsidy benefits were calculated incorrectly as well as the amount excluded from income. This decreased HAP rent by $9. ? 1 error where $1,753 in unreimbursed medical expenses was carried forward from the prior year 50058 and file had no support for any medical expenses in current year. This decreased HAP rent by $22 ? 1 error where there was no EIV report in file In addition to the above, we noted the following during our new admissions testing (21 new admissions tested): ? 1 error where there was no signed 214 affidavit in the file for one member of the household Criteria: 24 CFR 982.516 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure compliance with HUD requirements, as well as maintain complete and accurate tenant files. In addition, the Authority?s administrative plan also requires following proper procedures for determination of HAP and documentation in the tenant files. Questioned Costs: None. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding eligibility and tenant recertifications, which could result in incorrect total tenant payments for rent and HAP payments to landlords. Cause: Procedures to ensure compliance with all of the HUD requirements were not being fully implemented. Recommendation: The Authority should correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and utilize an ongoing quality control review process on the entire tenant population to ensure proper compliance with the requirements related to tenant eligibility. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will implement review procedures and provide ongoing training to staff.
2022-003 Special Tests and Provisions ? Housing Quality Standards Section 8 Housing Voucher Cluster (Section 8): 14.871 Section 8 ? Housing Choice Vouchers 14.879 Mainstream Vouchers Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Other Matter to be Reported Under the Uniform Guidance Condition: Out of a total population of 166 failed inspections, 17 failed inspections were selected for testing in a statistically valid sample. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 error where unit never passed inspection and the Authority continued to make HAP payments when the contract should have been abated. Criteria: For units under HAP contract that fail to meet HQS, the PHA must require the owner to correct any life threatening HQS deficiencies within 24 hours after the inspections and all other HQS deficiencies within 30 calendar days or within a specified PHA-approved extension. If the owner does not correct the cited HQS deficiencies within the specified correction period, the PHA must stop (abate) HAPs beginning no later than the first of the month following the specified correction period or must terminate the HAP contract. Cause: Compliance with all of the HUD requirements was not being carefully followed and the Authority lacked procedures for proper oversight and review of employees performing these compliance procedures. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with all of the HUD requirements regarding Housing Quality Standards, which could result in tenants living in unsafe conditions. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: The Authority should more closely monitor failed inspections to make sure that any units that have not passed re-inspection are not issued HAP payments until all repairs are made, and the HAP contract is terminated for any unit for which the owner has not made repairs within the allowed timeframe. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: The Authority concurs with this finding and will establish more review, oversight and training for the staff responsible for these procedures.