Audit 309554

FY End
2023-09-30
Total Expended
$27.30M
Findings
4
Programs
6
Year: 2023 Accepted: 2024-06-21

Organization Exclusion Status:

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Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
401463 2023-001 Significant Deficiency - N
401464 2023-001 Significant Deficiency - N
977905 2023-001 Significant Deficiency - N
977906 2023-001 Significant Deficiency - N

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $1.69M - 0
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $1.67M - 0
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $228,201 Yes 1
14.879 Mainstream Vouchers $128,080 Yes 0
14.896 Family Self-Sufficiency Program $54,399 - 0
14.238 Shelter Plus Care $34,935 - 0

Contacts

Name Title Type
JMLNFFP2LBM1 Bruce Milgrom Auditee
2093864105 Chad Porter Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Accounting Policies: The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the Schedule) includes the federal awards activity of the Authority under programs of the federal government for the year ended September 30, 2023. The information in this Schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of our operations, it is not intended to and does not present our financial position, changes in net positions, or cash flows. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: We have elected not to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance.

Finding Details

INFORMATION ON THE FEDERAL PROGRAM: ALN 14.871 – Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, US Department of Housing and Urban Development. COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS: Special Tests & Provisions – Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Re-inspections TYPE OF FINDING: Non-compliance and significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance. CRITERIA: Pursuant to 24 CFR Part 982 set forth basic housing quality standards (HQS) which all units must meet before assistance can be paid on behalf of a family and at least annually throughout the term of the assisted tenancy. HQS defines "standard housing" and establish the minimum criteria for the health and safety of program participants. CONDITION: The auditor noted that the Authority was not conducting reinspection’s of tenant units that failed initial inspections under HAP contract. CAUSE: Turnover in management at the Authority within the HCV program department caused delays in rescheduling units for reinspection. EFFECT: Potential effects of the Authority not conducting HQS inspections in a timely manner include: (1) Delays in inspections can expose tenants to substandard conditions and health hazards; (2) Housing Authorities must conduct regular HQS inspections by law, and delays can result in legal liabilities; (3) HUD may reduce or withhold funding if inspections are not timely; (4) HUD may impose sanctions, additional oversight, or appoint an administrator, impacting the Authority’s funding, and operations. QUESTIONED COSTS: None. CONTEXT: The auditor selected a sample of 40 out of an amount greater than 250 failed HQS inspections for all units under HCV contracts during the fiscal year under examination, of which, 6 instances of non-compliance we’re discovered. 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. RECOMMENDATION: To address this issue, the auditor recommends: (1) Review the inspection process for inefficiencies and consider implementing technology solutions for scheduling, tracking, and reporting; (2) Ensure sufficient staffing, training, and resources for prompt inspections; (3) Develop a system to prioritize inspections based on repair urgency, property condition, and the needs of vulnerable populations; (4) Establish metrics to measure average inspection turnaround time and compliance rates; (5) Regularly monitor compliance and enforce consequences, such as fines or termination of assistance, for property owners who fail to meet housing standards. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL(S): Management agrees with the finding and have outlined a plan of action in the Corrective Action Plan section of this report.
INFORMATION ON THE FEDERAL PROGRAM: ALN 14.871 – Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, US Department of Housing and Urban Development. COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS: Special Tests & Provisions – Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Re-inspections TYPE OF FINDING: Non-compliance and significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance. CRITERIA: Pursuant to 24 CFR Part 982 set forth basic housing quality standards (HQS) which all units must meet before assistance can be paid on behalf of a family and at least annually throughout the term of the assisted tenancy. HQS defines "standard housing" and establish the minimum criteria for the health and safety of program participants. CONDITION: The auditor noted that the Authority was not conducting reinspection’s of tenant units that failed initial inspections under HAP contract. CAUSE: Turnover in management at the Authority within the HCV program department caused delays in rescheduling units for reinspection. EFFECT: Potential effects of the Authority not conducting HQS inspections in a timely manner include: (1) Delays in inspections can expose tenants to substandard conditions and health hazards; (2) Housing Authorities must conduct regular HQS inspections by law, and delays can result in legal liabilities; (3) HUD may reduce or withhold funding if inspections are not timely; (4) HUD may impose sanctions, additional oversight, or appoint an administrator, impacting the Authority’s funding, and operations. QUESTIONED COSTS: None. CONTEXT: The auditor selected a sample of 40 out of an amount greater than 250 failed HQS inspections for all units under HCV contracts during the fiscal year under examination, of which, 6 instances of non-compliance we’re discovered. 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. RECOMMENDATION: To address this issue, the auditor recommends: (1) Review the inspection process for inefficiencies and consider implementing technology solutions for scheduling, tracking, and reporting; (2) Ensure sufficient staffing, training, and resources for prompt inspections; (3) Develop a system to prioritize inspections based on repair urgency, property condition, and the needs of vulnerable populations; (4) Establish metrics to measure average inspection turnaround time and compliance rates; (5) Regularly monitor compliance and enforce consequences, such as fines or termination of assistance, for property owners who fail to meet housing standards. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL(S): Management agrees with the finding and have outlined a plan of action in the Corrective Action Plan section of this report.
INFORMATION ON THE FEDERAL PROGRAM: ALN 14.871 – Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, US Department of Housing and Urban Development. COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS: Special Tests & Provisions – Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Re-inspections TYPE OF FINDING: Non-compliance and significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance. CRITERIA: Pursuant to 24 CFR Part 982 set forth basic housing quality standards (HQS) which all units must meet before assistance can be paid on behalf of a family and at least annually throughout the term of the assisted tenancy. HQS defines "standard housing" and establish the minimum criteria for the health and safety of program participants. CONDITION: The auditor noted that the Authority was not conducting reinspection’s of tenant units that failed initial inspections under HAP contract. CAUSE: Turnover in management at the Authority within the HCV program department caused delays in rescheduling units for reinspection. EFFECT: Potential effects of the Authority not conducting HQS inspections in a timely manner include: (1) Delays in inspections can expose tenants to substandard conditions and health hazards; (2) Housing Authorities must conduct regular HQS inspections by law, and delays can result in legal liabilities; (3) HUD may reduce or withhold funding if inspections are not timely; (4) HUD may impose sanctions, additional oversight, or appoint an administrator, impacting the Authority’s funding, and operations. QUESTIONED COSTS: None. CONTEXT: The auditor selected a sample of 40 out of an amount greater than 250 failed HQS inspections for all units under HCV contracts during the fiscal year under examination, of which, 6 instances of non-compliance we’re discovered. 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. RECOMMENDATION: To address this issue, the auditor recommends: (1) Review the inspection process for inefficiencies and consider implementing technology solutions for scheduling, tracking, and reporting; (2) Ensure sufficient staffing, training, and resources for prompt inspections; (3) Develop a system to prioritize inspections based on repair urgency, property condition, and the needs of vulnerable populations; (4) Establish metrics to measure average inspection turnaround time and compliance rates; (5) Regularly monitor compliance and enforce consequences, such as fines or termination of assistance, for property owners who fail to meet housing standards. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL(S): Management agrees with the finding and have outlined a plan of action in the Corrective Action Plan section of this report.
INFORMATION ON THE FEDERAL PROGRAM: ALN 14.871 – Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, US Department of Housing and Urban Development. COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS: Special Tests & Provisions – Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Re-inspections TYPE OF FINDING: Non-compliance and significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance. CRITERIA: Pursuant to 24 CFR Part 982 set forth basic housing quality standards (HQS) which all units must meet before assistance can be paid on behalf of a family and at least annually throughout the term of the assisted tenancy. HQS defines "standard housing" and establish the minimum criteria for the health and safety of program participants. CONDITION: The auditor noted that the Authority was not conducting reinspection’s of tenant units that failed initial inspections under HAP contract. CAUSE: Turnover in management at the Authority within the HCV program department caused delays in rescheduling units for reinspection. EFFECT: Potential effects of the Authority not conducting HQS inspections in a timely manner include: (1) Delays in inspections can expose tenants to substandard conditions and health hazards; (2) Housing Authorities must conduct regular HQS inspections by law, and delays can result in legal liabilities; (3) HUD may reduce or withhold funding if inspections are not timely; (4) HUD may impose sanctions, additional oversight, or appoint an administrator, impacting the Authority’s funding, and operations. QUESTIONED COSTS: None. CONTEXT: The auditor selected a sample of 40 out of an amount greater than 250 failed HQS inspections for all units under HCV contracts during the fiscal year under examination, of which, 6 instances of non-compliance we’re discovered. 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. RECOMMENDATION: To address this issue, the auditor recommends: (1) Review the inspection process for inefficiencies and consider implementing technology solutions for scheduling, tracking, and reporting; (2) Ensure sufficient staffing, training, and resources for prompt inspections; (3) Develop a system to prioritize inspections based on repair urgency, property condition, and the needs of vulnerable populations; (4) Establish metrics to measure average inspection turnaround time and compliance rates; (5) Regularly monitor compliance and enforce consequences, such as fines or termination of assistance, for property owners who fail to meet housing standards. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL(S): Management agrees with the finding and have outlined a plan of action in the Corrective Action Plan section of this report.