Audit 318408

FY End
2023-06-30
Total Expended
$18.00M
Findings
12
Programs
7
Organization: City of Huntington Park (CA)
Year: 2023 Accepted: 2024-09-03

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
485628 2023-002 - Yes L
485629 2023-003 Significant Deficiency Yes I
485630 2023-004 Significant Deficiency - M
485631 2023-005 Significant Deficiency Yes L
485632 2023-006 Significant Deficiency - N
485633 2023-007 Significant Deficiency Yes A
1062070 2023-002 - Yes L
1062071 2023-003 Significant Deficiency Yes I
1062072 2023-004 Significant Deficiency - M
1062073 2023-005 Significant Deficiency Yes L
1062074 2023-006 Significant Deficiency - N
1062075 2023-007 Significant Deficiency Yes A

Contacts

Name Title Type
NPKFKTS9QQD6 Jeff Jones Auditee
3235846201 Eden Casareno Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: BASIS OF PRESENTATION Accounting Policies: The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards is presented using the modified accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the Cost Principles contained in the Uniform Guidance wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The City has not elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (Schedule) includes the federal award activity of City of Huntington Park (City) under programs of the federal government for the year ended June 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 the operations of the City, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net assets, or cash flows of the City.
Title: LOAN PROGRAMS WITH CONTINUING COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS Accounting Policies: The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards is presented using the modified accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the Cost Principles contained in the Uniform Guidance wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The City has not elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate. The City directly administers federal loan programs under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which are subject to continuing compliance requirements for outstanding loans. CDBG loans are authorized under Section 108 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as a loan guarantee component. HOME loans have continuing compliance requirements related to continuous occupancy and eligibility of the borrowers. The outstanding balances on loans of the programs with continuing compliance requirements as of June 30, 2023 were as follows.

Finding Details

Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Catalog Number: 21.027 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Category of Finding: Reporting Criteria: Pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI, Compliance Supplement May 2023 Part 4 21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (page 4-21.027-7), the annual reporting requirement for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) is through the submission of the initial Interim Report, quarterly Project and Expenditure Report, and the Recovery Plan Performance Report. The interim report is a one time report that provides an initial overview of status and use of funding. The Project and Expenditure Report details the financial data, projects funded, expenditures and contracts over $50,000. The Recovery Plan Performance report is not a required report for the City due to their population size falling under the 250,000 requirement. Condition: During our audit, the City was unable to provide evidence that the project and expenditure report for quarter July through September 2022 was submitted. Cause: Lack of appropriate control over reporting, mainly due to turn-over in City personnel. Effect or Potential Effect: Noncompliance may result in termination of the grants, reduction in future payments or funding amounts, repayment of federal funds already received and spent, imposed fines and penalties, reputational damage, special status for oversight and reviews, need for corrective action plan, and/or suspension or debarment. Questioned Cost: None. Context: According to City's consultant, the report was drafted but not submitted. Statistical Sampling Validity: Not applicable. No sampling was performed. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, 2022-001 and 2021-003 Recommendation: The City should design and establish internal controls over reporting, which should include maintaining copies of reports submitted for audit. Management Response and Corrective Action Plan City concurs Corrective Action Plan: City is onboarding qualified individuals to ensure reports are submitted in a timely manner and retained by the City. Planned Implementation Date: Q1 of Fiscal Year 2025 Responsible Person: Director of Finance
Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Catalog Number: 21.027 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Category of Finding: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Criteria: Pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI, Compliance Supplement May 2023, sections 3.2-I-1 through 3.2-I-3: procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-Federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to Cost-Reimbursement Contracts under the Federal Acquisition Regulation subcontracts, non-Federal entities receiving cost-reimbursement contracts under the FAR must comply with the clauses at 48 CFR section 52.244-2 (consent to subcontract), 52.244-5 (competition), 52.203-13 (code of business ethics), 52.203-16 (conflicts of interest), and 52.215.12 (cost or pricing data); and the terms and conditions of the contract. The FAR defines furnish the supplies or services (including construction) and the buyer to pay for them, entered into by a subcontractor to furnish supplies or services for performance of a prime contract or a subcontract. It includes, but is not limited to, purchase orders, and changes and modifications to purchase orders. Condition: The City does not have a current official written policy for procurement and contracts conforming to applicable Federal statutes and the updated procurement requirements per 2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). The City's Conflict of Interest Code does not include the required language per the Uniform Guidance. Cause: Lack of formal policies and procedures over current required procurement standards and lack of internal controls and adequate staff training on effective requirements set forth by the Uniform Guidance over procurement. Effect or Potential Effect: Failure to document and retain evidence that procurement procedures were followed could result in the need to reimburse Federal funds. Questioned Cost: None Context: The City does not have an effective purchasing manual for city-wide use. The City-provided policy and procedure document establishing purchasing guidelines is for Finance Department use. We noted that this document was last updated on September 7, 2004 and does not contain the language required by the Uniform Guidance. We reviewed the City's current Conflict of Interest Code and purchasing policy and procedure document and noted no provisions containing the required language per the Uniform Guidance. Statistical Sampling Validity: Non-statistical sampling was performed in relation to this finding. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, 2019-014, 2021-006, and 2022-004 Recommendation: We recommend the City establish an official written policy for procurement and contracting and Conflict of Interest Code that are in line with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. The policy should contain components for compliance with and references to Federal requirements, such as language establishing contract files that document significant procurement history; methods of procurement authorized including selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis of contract price; verification that procurements provide full and open competition when required; requirements for cost or price analysis, including for contract modifications; obtaining and reacting to suspension and debarment. The City should strengthen its procurement internal controls based on this official written policy. Management Response and Corrective Action Plan City's Response: Policy and Procedures manual was updated and approved by City Council on December 5, 2023 to include 2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) requirements. Corrective Action Plan: Update policies and procedures manual. Planned Implementation Date: December 5, 2023 Responsible Person: Director of Finance
Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Catalog Number: 21.027 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Category of Finding: Subrecipient Monitoring Criteria: Pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI, Compliance Supplement May 2023, sections 3-M-1 and 3-M-2: "A pass-through entity (PTE) must: Monitor - Monitor the activites of the subrecipient as necessary to ensure that the subaward is used for authorized purposes, complies with the terms and conditions of the subaward, and achieves performance goals (2 CFR sections 200.332(d) through (f)). In addition to procedures identified as necessary based upon the evaluation of subrecipient risk or specifically required by the terms and conditions of the award, subaward monitoring must include the following: 1. Reviewing financial and programmatic (performance and special reports) required by the PTE. 2. Following-up and ensuring that the subrecipient takes timely and appropriate action on all deficiencies pertaining to the federal award provided to the subrecipient from the PTE detected through audits, on-site reviews, and other means. 3. Issuing a management decision for audit findings pertaining to the federal award provided to the subrecipient from the PTE as required by 2 CFR section 200.521. Condition: The City does not have a current written policy for subrecipient monitoring conforming to applicable Federal statutes per 2 CFR part 200, Appendix XI, Compliance Supplement May 2023, sections 3-M-1 and 3-M2. 1 of 3 invoices selected for testing did not have department head review and approval to ensure that subrecipient reimbursement request comply with the CSLFRF allowable costs. Cause: Lack of formal policies and procedures over federal requirement for subrecipient monitoring. Effect or Potential Effect: City may be sending funds to subrecipients for activities and services that are nonconforming to allowed costs under the Uniform Guidance. Questioned Cost: None Context: During the audit, we found one instance of subrecipient reimbursement that lacked evidence of review and approval. Statistical Sampling Validity: Non-statistical sampling was performed in relation to this finding. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the City establish an official written policy for subrecipient monitoring that is in line with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. The policy should contain components for compliance with and references to Federal requirements, such as review of reports requested from the subrecipient regarding project status, reviewing invoices to ensure spending is limited to expenses involving approved projects, and proper approval procedures key personnel perform to ensure these invoices are valid. Management Response and Corrective Action Plan City's Response: The City concurs with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: The City will establish an official written policy for subrecipient monitoring that is in line with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Planned Implementation Date: December 2024 Responsible Person: Finance & Community Development Departments
Federal Program Title: Community Development Block Grants/Entitlement Grants Federal Catalog Number: 14.218 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Category of Finding: Reporting Criteria: Pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI, Compliance Supplement May 2023, sections 3.2-L-1 and 4-14.218-10: "Recipients must use the standard financial reporting forms or such other forms as may be authorized by OMB (approval is indicated by an OMB paperwork control number on the form) when reporting to the Federal awarding agency. Each recipient must report program outlays and program income on a cash or accrual basis, as prescribed by the Federal awarding agency." For CDBG, the City is required to submit the following reports: SF-425 - Federal Financial Report C04PR03 - Activity Summary Report C04PR26 - CDBG Financial Summary HUD 60002, Section 3 Summary Report, Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons, (OMB No. 2529-0043) Per HUD Notice CPD-12-012, submission of Federal Financal Report - Standard Form 425: "A hard copy (or a pdf file if transmitted electronically) of the SF-425 report shall be submitted to the CDBG recipient's local field office, which will review it for completeness and accuracy... Quarterly Federal Financial Reports (FFRs) must be submitted to the respective field office within 30 days after the end of the reporting period. The following reporting-period end dates shall be used for quarterly reports: 3/31, 6/30, 9/30, or 12/31." Per HUD Section 3 Overview for Recipients of HUD Housing & Community Development Funding: "Annually, each direct recipient of Housing and Community Development funding is required to submit form HUD-60002 to HUD's Economic Opportunity Division in Washington DC. Where the program providing Section 3 covered funding requires the submission of an annual performance report (e.g., Condition: The required quarterly SF-425 Federal Financial Reports and HUD 60002, Section 3 Summary Report were filed after the required deadline. Cause: Lack of sufficient internal control over the timely preparation, review, and submission of the financial and performance reports. Effect or Potential Effect: The City's failure to comply with stated rules and regulations over the required reports increases the risk that inaccurate or incomplete information will be reported. Questioned Cost: None Context: The SF-425 Federal Financial Reports and HUD 60002, Section 3 Summary Report were prepared and submitted after we requested them, which was after these reports were due to HUD. Statistical Sampling Validity: Not applicable. Sampling was not performed in relation to this finding. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, 2020-003, 2019-006, 2018-005, and 2017-006 Recommendation: The City should strengthen its process over the preparation of its reports to ensure the reports are based on the applicable accounting and performance records. City staff should ensure that these reports are not only prepared, but also reviewed for accuracy and completeness prior to submission. The City should have a process to ensure that all required reports are prepared, reviewed, and submitted on a timely basis. Management Response and Corrective Action Plan City's Response: The City submitted the reports late that can cause federal and state funding to be affected. Corrective Action Plan: The City has contracted with third party vendors to ensure timeliness of filing reports. Departments are aware of deadlines and have organized records to meet the deadlines. Planned Implementation Date: Implemented during Fiscal Year 2023. Responsible Person: Finance & Community Development department.
Federal Program Title: Community Development Block Grants / Entitlement Grants Federal Catalog Number: 14.218 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Category of Finding: Special Tests and Provisions Criteria: Pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI, Compliance Supplement May 2023, Part 4-14.218, CDBG funds (and local funds to be reimbursed with CDBG funds) cannot be obligated or expended before receipt of HUD's approval of a Request for Release of Funds (RROF) and environmental certification, except for exempt activities under 24 CFR section 58.34 and categorically excluded activities under section 58.35(b) (24 CFR section 58.22). Also, on page 4-14.219-29, it states that projects must have an environmental review unless they meet criteria specified in the regulations that would exempt or exclude them from RROF and environmental certification requirements (24 CFR sections 58.1, 58.22, 58.34, 58.35, and 570.604). Condition: During our audit the City was unable to provide evidence of HUD's approval of a Request for Release of Funds and environmental certifications prior to expenditure of funds for fiscal year 2023. Cause: Lack of appropriate control over special tests and provisions, mainly due to turn-over in City personnel. Effect or Potential Effect: Noncompliance may result in termination of the grant, reduction in future payments or funding amounts, repayment of federal funds already received and spent, imposed fines and penalties, reputational damage, special status for oversight and reviews, need for corrective action plan, and/or suspension or debarment. Questioned Cost: None Context: The City was able to provide environmental reviews for three out of four projects. However, the City was unable to provide evidence of HUD's approval of a Request for Release of Funds, and environmental certification for these four projects. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the City should design and establish internal control over special tests and provisions, which should include maintaining copies of reports submitted for audit purposes. Management Response and Corrective Action Plan City's Response: The City concurs. Corrective Action Plan: Departments will work together to document and verify all documents are retained and centralized to ensure they are auditable. Planned Implementation Date: January 2025 Responsible Person: Finance & Community Development Department
Federal Program Title: Community Development Block Grants/Entitlement Grants Federal Catalog Number: 14.218 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Category of Finding: Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Criteria: In order to receive cost reimbursement under federal awards, costs must meet the criteria contained in 2 CFR Part 200, section 4-14.218, including that the cost has been adequately documented. Condition: Documentation of salaries and wages claimed as CDBG expenditures was lacking. Several personnel action forms for employee records were missing and not all timesheets provided had evidence of review by a supervisor. Cause: Lack of internal controls and a consistent timesheet reporting and approval process over payroll. Effect or Potential Effect: The City could be charging inaccurate or unallowable amount of payroll expenditures to the CDBG program. Questioned Cost: None Context: We selected a sample of 25 payroll records. Our review identified the following: 1 out of 25 payroll selections did not have an approved timesheet. Necessary signature of department head/supervisor not found on employee timecard. 3 out of the 25 payroll selections did not have accurate Personnel Action Form (PAF) information in the employee records to match the pay rate of the employee. 1 employee used twice in testing had no record of PAF in employee files. The other exceptions are due to a discrepancy in pay rate per the employee payroll register and the employee updated PAF. Per Employee MOU, this employee should only have a pay increase of 2.5%, however the employee payroll register showed an increase of 3%. Statistical Sampling Validity: Yes Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, 2020-001, 2019-001. Recommendation: We recommend the City to strengthen their procedures in place in relation to the timesheet approval process by implementing uniform policies and procedures across all departments to only process time records after proper review and approval has been completed and signed off. The City should implement a secure way for retaining documentation vital to employee records and be able to update documentation when any changes to employee information is made. The City should have a documentation in place to support allocation method and calculations used during the year. City's Response: There has been a turnover in staff that were responsible for applying the internal control during the Fiscal Year 2020. The City is in the process of finalizing an official timesheet approval process beginning in Fiscal Year 2024. Corrective Action Plan: The City will be updating the payroll process in FY 2024, to include a centralized retention plan related to payroll records. Planned Implementation Date: Fiscal Year 2024 Responsible Person: Finance & Human Resources Department
Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Catalog Number: 21.027 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Category of Finding: Reporting Criteria: Pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI, Compliance Supplement May 2023 Part 4 21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (page 4-21.027-7), the annual reporting requirement for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) is through the submission of the initial Interim Report, quarterly Project and Expenditure Report, and the Recovery Plan Performance Report. The interim report is a one time report that provides an initial overview of status and use of funding. The Project and Expenditure Report details the financial data, projects funded, expenditures and contracts over $50,000. The Recovery Plan Performance report is not a required report for the City due to their population size falling under the 250,000 requirement. Condition: During our audit, the City was unable to provide evidence that the project and expenditure report for quarter July through September 2022 was submitted. Cause: Lack of appropriate control over reporting, mainly due to turn-over in City personnel. Effect or Potential Effect: Noncompliance may result in termination of the grants, reduction in future payments or funding amounts, repayment of federal funds already received and spent, imposed fines and penalties, reputational damage, special status for oversight and reviews, need for corrective action plan, and/or suspension or debarment. Questioned Cost: None. Context: According to City's consultant, the report was drafted but not submitted. Statistical Sampling Validity: Not applicable. No sampling was performed. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, 2022-001 and 2021-003 Recommendation: The City should design and establish internal controls over reporting, which should include maintaining copies of reports submitted for audit. Management Response and Corrective Action Plan City concurs Corrective Action Plan: City is onboarding qualified individuals to ensure reports are submitted in a timely manner and retained by the City. Planned Implementation Date: Q1 of Fiscal Year 2025 Responsible Person: Director of Finance
Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Catalog Number: 21.027 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Category of Finding: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Criteria: Pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI, Compliance Supplement May 2023, sections 3.2-I-1 through 3.2-I-3: procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. A non-Federal entity must: 1. Meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to Cost-Reimbursement Contracts under the Federal Acquisition Regulation subcontracts, non-Federal entities receiving cost-reimbursement contracts under the FAR must comply with the clauses at 48 CFR section 52.244-2 (consent to subcontract), 52.244-5 (competition), 52.203-13 (code of business ethics), 52.203-16 (conflicts of interest), and 52.215.12 (cost or pricing data); and the terms and conditions of the contract. The FAR defines furnish the supplies or services (including construction) and the buyer to pay for them, entered into by a subcontractor to furnish supplies or services for performance of a prime contract or a subcontract. It includes, but is not limited to, purchase orders, and changes and modifications to purchase orders. Condition: The City does not have a current official written policy for procurement and contracts conforming to applicable Federal statutes and the updated procurement requirements per 2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). The City's Conflict of Interest Code does not include the required language per the Uniform Guidance. Cause: Lack of formal policies and procedures over current required procurement standards and lack of internal controls and adequate staff training on effective requirements set forth by the Uniform Guidance over procurement. Effect or Potential Effect: Failure to document and retain evidence that procurement procedures were followed could result in the need to reimburse Federal funds. Questioned Cost: None Context: The City does not have an effective purchasing manual for city-wide use. The City-provided policy and procedure document establishing purchasing guidelines is for Finance Department use. We noted that this document was last updated on September 7, 2004 and does not contain the language required by the Uniform Guidance. We reviewed the City's current Conflict of Interest Code and purchasing policy and procedure document and noted no provisions containing the required language per the Uniform Guidance. Statistical Sampling Validity: Non-statistical sampling was performed in relation to this finding. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, 2019-014, 2021-006, and 2022-004 Recommendation: We recommend the City establish an official written policy for procurement and contracting and Conflict of Interest Code that are in line with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. The policy should contain components for compliance with and references to Federal requirements, such as language establishing contract files that document significant procurement history; methods of procurement authorized including selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis of contract price; verification that procurements provide full and open competition when required; requirements for cost or price analysis, including for contract modifications; obtaining and reacting to suspension and debarment. The City should strengthen its procurement internal controls based on this official written policy. Management Response and Corrective Action Plan City's Response: Policy and Procedures manual was updated and approved by City Council on December 5, 2023 to include 2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) requirements. Corrective Action Plan: Update policies and procedures manual. Planned Implementation Date: December 5, 2023 Responsible Person: Director of Finance
Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Catalog Number: 21.027 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Category of Finding: Subrecipient Monitoring Criteria: Pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI, Compliance Supplement May 2023, sections 3-M-1 and 3-M-2: "A pass-through entity (PTE) must: Monitor - Monitor the activites of the subrecipient as necessary to ensure that the subaward is used for authorized purposes, complies with the terms and conditions of the subaward, and achieves performance goals (2 CFR sections 200.332(d) through (f)). In addition to procedures identified as necessary based upon the evaluation of subrecipient risk or specifically required by the terms and conditions of the award, subaward monitoring must include the following: 1. Reviewing financial and programmatic (performance and special reports) required by the PTE. 2. Following-up and ensuring that the subrecipient takes timely and appropriate action on all deficiencies pertaining to the federal award provided to the subrecipient from the PTE detected through audits, on-site reviews, and other means. 3. Issuing a management decision for audit findings pertaining to the federal award provided to the subrecipient from the PTE as required by 2 CFR section 200.521. Condition: The City does not have a current written policy for subrecipient monitoring conforming to applicable Federal statutes per 2 CFR part 200, Appendix XI, Compliance Supplement May 2023, sections 3-M-1 and 3-M2. 1 of 3 invoices selected for testing did not have department head review and approval to ensure that subrecipient reimbursement request comply with the CSLFRF allowable costs. Cause: Lack of formal policies and procedures over federal requirement for subrecipient monitoring. Effect or Potential Effect: City may be sending funds to subrecipients for activities and services that are nonconforming to allowed costs under the Uniform Guidance. Questioned Cost: None Context: During the audit, we found one instance of subrecipient reimbursement that lacked evidence of review and approval. Statistical Sampling Validity: Non-statistical sampling was performed in relation to this finding. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the City establish an official written policy for subrecipient monitoring that is in line with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. The policy should contain components for compliance with and references to Federal requirements, such as review of reports requested from the subrecipient regarding project status, reviewing invoices to ensure spending is limited to expenses involving approved projects, and proper approval procedures key personnel perform to ensure these invoices are valid. Management Response and Corrective Action Plan City's Response: The City concurs with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: The City will establish an official written policy for subrecipient monitoring that is in line with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Planned Implementation Date: December 2024 Responsible Person: Finance & Community Development Departments
Federal Program Title: Community Development Block Grants/Entitlement Grants Federal Catalog Number: 14.218 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Category of Finding: Reporting Criteria: Pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI, Compliance Supplement May 2023, sections 3.2-L-1 and 4-14.218-10: "Recipients must use the standard financial reporting forms or such other forms as may be authorized by OMB (approval is indicated by an OMB paperwork control number on the form) when reporting to the Federal awarding agency. Each recipient must report program outlays and program income on a cash or accrual basis, as prescribed by the Federal awarding agency." For CDBG, the City is required to submit the following reports: SF-425 - Federal Financial Report C04PR03 - Activity Summary Report C04PR26 - CDBG Financial Summary HUD 60002, Section 3 Summary Report, Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons, (OMB No. 2529-0043) Per HUD Notice CPD-12-012, submission of Federal Financal Report - Standard Form 425: "A hard copy (or a pdf file if transmitted electronically) of the SF-425 report shall be submitted to the CDBG recipient's local field office, which will review it for completeness and accuracy... Quarterly Federal Financial Reports (FFRs) must be submitted to the respective field office within 30 days after the end of the reporting period. The following reporting-period end dates shall be used for quarterly reports: 3/31, 6/30, 9/30, or 12/31." Per HUD Section 3 Overview for Recipients of HUD Housing & Community Development Funding: "Annually, each direct recipient of Housing and Community Development funding is required to submit form HUD-60002 to HUD's Economic Opportunity Division in Washington DC. Where the program providing Section 3 covered funding requires the submission of an annual performance report (e.g., Condition: The required quarterly SF-425 Federal Financial Reports and HUD 60002, Section 3 Summary Report were filed after the required deadline. Cause: Lack of sufficient internal control over the timely preparation, review, and submission of the financial and performance reports. Effect or Potential Effect: The City's failure to comply with stated rules and regulations over the required reports increases the risk that inaccurate or incomplete information will be reported. Questioned Cost: None Context: The SF-425 Federal Financial Reports and HUD 60002, Section 3 Summary Report were prepared and submitted after we requested them, which was after these reports were due to HUD. Statistical Sampling Validity: Not applicable. Sampling was not performed in relation to this finding. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, 2020-003, 2019-006, 2018-005, and 2017-006 Recommendation: The City should strengthen its process over the preparation of its reports to ensure the reports are based on the applicable accounting and performance records. City staff should ensure that these reports are not only prepared, but also reviewed for accuracy and completeness prior to submission. The City should have a process to ensure that all required reports are prepared, reviewed, and submitted on a timely basis. Management Response and Corrective Action Plan City's Response: The City submitted the reports late that can cause federal and state funding to be affected. Corrective Action Plan: The City has contracted with third party vendors to ensure timeliness of filing reports. Departments are aware of deadlines and have organized records to meet the deadlines. Planned Implementation Date: Implemented during Fiscal Year 2023. Responsible Person: Finance & Community Development department.
Federal Program Title: Community Development Block Grants / Entitlement Grants Federal Catalog Number: 14.218 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Category of Finding: Special Tests and Provisions Criteria: Pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix XI, Compliance Supplement May 2023, Part 4-14.218, CDBG funds (and local funds to be reimbursed with CDBG funds) cannot be obligated or expended before receipt of HUD's approval of a Request for Release of Funds (RROF) and environmental certification, except for exempt activities under 24 CFR section 58.34 and categorically excluded activities under section 58.35(b) (24 CFR section 58.22). Also, on page 4-14.219-29, it states that projects must have an environmental review unless they meet criteria specified in the regulations that would exempt or exclude them from RROF and environmental certification requirements (24 CFR sections 58.1, 58.22, 58.34, 58.35, and 570.604). Condition: During our audit the City was unable to provide evidence of HUD's approval of a Request for Release of Funds and environmental certifications prior to expenditure of funds for fiscal year 2023. Cause: Lack of appropriate control over special tests and provisions, mainly due to turn-over in City personnel. Effect or Potential Effect: Noncompliance may result in termination of the grant, reduction in future payments or funding amounts, repayment of federal funds already received and spent, imposed fines and penalties, reputational damage, special status for oversight and reviews, need for corrective action plan, and/or suspension or debarment. Questioned Cost: None Context: The City was able to provide environmental reviews for three out of four projects. However, the City was unable to provide evidence of HUD's approval of a Request for Release of Funds, and environmental certification for these four projects. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the City should design and establish internal control over special tests and provisions, which should include maintaining copies of reports submitted for audit purposes. Management Response and Corrective Action Plan City's Response: The City concurs. Corrective Action Plan: Departments will work together to document and verify all documents are retained and centralized to ensure they are auditable. Planned Implementation Date: January 2025 Responsible Person: Finance & Community Development Department
Federal Program Title: Community Development Block Grants/Entitlement Grants Federal Catalog Number: 14.218 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Category of Finding: Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Criteria: In order to receive cost reimbursement under federal awards, costs must meet the criteria contained in 2 CFR Part 200, section 4-14.218, including that the cost has been adequately documented. Condition: Documentation of salaries and wages claimed as CDBG expenditures was lacking. Several personnel action forms for employee records were missing and not all timesheets provided had evidence of review by a supervisor. Cause: Lack of internal controls and a consistent timesheet reporting and approval process over payroll. Effect or Potential Effect: The City could be charging inaccurate or unallowable amount of payroll expenditures to the CDBG program. Questioned Cost: None Context: We selected a sample of 25 payroll records. Our review identified the following: 1 out of 25 payroll selections did not have an approved timesheet. Necessary signature of department head/supervisor not found on employee timecard. 3 out of the 25 payroll selections did not have accurate Personnel Action Form (PAF) information in the employee records to match the pay rate of the employee. 1 employee used twice in testing had no record of PAF in employee files. The other exceptions are due to a discrepancy in pay rate per the employee payroll register and the employee updated PAF. Per Employee MOU, this employee should only have a pay increase of 2.5%, however the employee payroll register showed an increase of 3%. Statistical Sampling Validity: Yes Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: Yes, 2020-001, 2019-001. Recommendation: We recommend the City to strengthen their procedures in place in relation to the timesheet approval process by implementing uniform policies and procedures across all departments to only process time records after proper review and approval has been completed and signed off. The City should implement a secure way for retaining documentation vital to employee records and be able to update documentation when any changes to employee information is made. The City should have a documentation in place to support allocation method and calculations used during the year. City's Response: There has been a turnover in staff that were responsible for applying the internal control during the Fiscal Year 2020. The City is in the process of finalizing an official timesheet approval process beginning in Fiscal Year 2024. Corrective Action Plan: The City will be updating the payroll process in FY 2024, to include a centralized retention plan related to payroll records. Planned Implementation Date: Fiscal Year 2024 Responsible Person: Finance & Human Resources Department