Audit 326053

FY End
2023-09-30
Total Expended
$5.67M
Findings
2
Programs
7
Organization: City of Tuskegee, Alabama (AL)
Year: 2023 Accepted: 2024-10-27

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
503772 2023-004 Material Weakness - C
1080214 2023-004 Material Weakness - C

Contacts

Name Title Type
FTNCVLFGM4G9 Frankie Ligon-Williams Auditee
3347200547 Jeffrey White Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: BASIS OF PRESENTATION Accounting Policies: Basis of accounting refers to when revenues and expenditures or expenses are recognized in the accounts and reported in the financial statements. Basis of accounting relates to the timing of the measurements made regardless of the measurement focus applied. The modified accrual basis of accounting is followed in the SEFA. Under the modified accrual basis of accounting, revenues are recognized in the accounting period in which they become both measurable and available to finance expenditures of the current period. Available means collectible within the current period or soon enough thereafter to be used to pay liabilities of the current period. Expenditures are recorded when the related liability is incurred. In applying the susceptible-to-accrual concept to intergovernmental revenues, the legal and contractual requirements of the numerous individual programs are used as guidance. There are however essentially two types of such revenues. In one, monies must be expended on the specific purpose or project before any amounts will be paid to the City; therefore, revenues are recognized based upon the expenditures recorded. In the other, monies are virtually recognized based upon the expenditures recorded and are virtually unrestricted as to purpose of expenditure and substantially irrevocable; i.e., revocable only for failure to comply with prescribed compliance requirements, such as with equal employment opportunity. These resources are reflected as revenues at the time of receipt or earlier if they meet the availability criteria. Expenditures reported in the SEFA are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance and/or OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, 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 as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) includes the federal award activity of the City under programs of the federal government for the year ended September 30, 2023. The information in the 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). The SEFA presents only a selected portion of the operations of the City; therefore, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net assets or cash flows where applicable of the City.
Title: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Accounting Policies: Basis of accounting refers to when revenues and expenditures or expenses are recognized in the accounts and reported in the financial statements. Basis of accounting relates to the timing of the measurements made regardless of the measurement focus applied. The modified accrual basis of accounting is followed in the SEFA. Under the modified accrual basis of accounting, revenues are recognized in the accounting period in which they become both measurable and available to finance expenditures of the current period. Available means collectible within the current period or soon enough thereafter to be used to pay liabilities of the current period. Expenditures are recorded when the related liability is incurred. In applying the susceptible-to-accrual concept to intergovernmental revenues, the legal and contractual requirements of the numerous individual programs are used as guidance. There are however essentially two types of such revenues. In one, monies must be expended on the specific purpose or project before any amounts will be paid to the City; therefore, revenues are recognized based upon the expenditures recorded. In the other, monies are virtually recognized based upon the expenditures recorded and are virtually unrestricted as to purpose of expenditure and substantially irrevocable; i.e., revocable only for failure to comply with prescribed compliance requirements, such as with equal employment opportunity. These resources are reflected as revenues at the time of receipt or earlier if they meet the availability criteria. Expenditures reported in the SEFA are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance and/or OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, 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 as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. Basis of accounting refers to when revenues and expenditures or expenses are recognized in the accounts and reported in the financial statements. Basis of accounting relates to the timing of the measurements made regardless of the measurement focus applied. Expenditures reported in the SEFA are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance and/or OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement.
Title: INDIRECT COST RATE Accounting Policies: Basis of accounting refers to when revenues and expenditures or expenses are recognized in the accounts and reported in the financial statements. Basis of accounting relates to the timing of the measurements made regardless of the measurement focus applied. The modified accrual basis of accounting is followed in the SEFA. Under the modified accrual basis of accounting, revenues are recognized in the accounting period in which they become both measurable and available to finance expenditures of the current period. Available means collectible within the current period or soon enough thereafter to be used to pay liabilities of the current period. Expenditures are recorded when the related liability is incurred. In applying the susceptible-to-accrual concept to intergovernmental revenues, the legal and contractual requirements of the numerous individual programs are used as guidance. There are however essentially two types of such revenues. In one, monies must be expended on the specific purpose or project before any amounts will be paid to the City; therefore, revenues are recognized based upon the expenditures recorded. In the other, monies are virtually recognized based upon the expenditures recorded and are virtually unrestricted as to purpose of expenditure and substantially irrevocable; i.e., revocable only for failure to comply with prescribed compliance requirements, such as with equal employment opportunity. These resources are reflected as revenues at the time of receipt or earlier if they meet the availability criteria. Expenditures reported in the SEFA are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance and/or OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, 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 as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The City has not elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance.
Title: CONTINGENCIES Accounting Policies: Basis of accounting refers to when revenues and expenditures or expenses are recognized in the accounts and reported in the financial statements. Basis of accounting relates to the timing of the measurements made regardless of the measurement focus applied. The modified accrual basis of accounting is followed in the SEFA. Under the modified accrual basis of accounting, revenues are recognized in the accounting period in which they become both measurable and available to finance expenditures of the current period. Available means collectible within the current period or soon enough thereafter to be used to pay liabilities of the current period. Expenditures are recorded when the related liability is incurred. In applying the susceptible-to-accrual concept to intergovernmental revenues, the legal and contractual requirements of the numerous individual programs are used as guidance. There are however essentially two types of such revenues. In one, monies must be expended on the specific purpose or project before any amounts will be paid to the City; therefore, revenues are recognized based upon the expenditures recorded. In the other, monies are virtually recognized based upon the expenditures recorded and are virtually unrestricted as to purpose of expenditure and substantially irrevocable; i.e., revocable only for failure to comply with prescribed compliance requirements, such as with equal employment opportunity. These resources are reflected as revenues at the time of receipt or earlier if they meet the availability criteria. Expenditures reported in the SEFA are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance and/or OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, 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 as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. Grant monies received and disbursed by the City are for specific purposes and are subject to review by the grantor agencies. Such audits may result in requests for reimbursement due to disallowed expenditures. Based upon prior experience, the City does not believe that such disallowance, if any, would have a material effect on the financial position of the City. As of September 30, 2023, there were no material questioned or disallowed costs as a result of grant audits in process or completed. Available means collectible within the current period or soon enough thereafter to be used to pay liabilities of the current period. Expenditures are recorded when the related liability is incurred. In applying the susceptible-to-accrual concept to intergovernmental revenues, the legal and contractual requirements of the numerous individual programs are used as guidance. There are however essentially two types of such revenues. In one, monies must be expended on the specific purpose or project before any amounts will be paid to the City; therefore, revenues are recognized based upon the expenditures recorded. In the other, monies are virtually recognized based upon the expenditures recorded and are virtually unrestricted as to purpose of expenditure and substantially irrevocable; i.e., revocable only for failure to comply with prescribed compliance requirements, such as with equal employment opportunity. These resources are reflected as revenues at the time of receipt or earlier if they meet the availability criteria.
Title: FEDERAL PASS-THROUGH FUNDS Accounting Policies: Basis of accounting refers to when revenues and expenditures or expenses are recognized in the accounts and reported in the financial statements. Basis of accounting relates to the timing of the measurements made regardless of the measurement focus applied. The modified accrual basis of accounting is followed in the SEFA. Under the modified accrual basis of accounting, revenues are recognized in the accounting period in which they become both measurable and available to finance expenditures of the current period. Available means collectible within the current period or soon enough thereafter to be used to pay liabilities of the current period. Expenditures are recorded when the related liability is incurred. In applying the susceptible-to-accrual concept to intergovernmental revenues, the legal and contractual requirements of the numerous individual programs are used as guidance. There are however essentially two types of such revenues. In one, monies must be expended on the specific purpose or project before any amounts will be paid to the City; therefore, revenues are recognized based upon the expenditures recorded. In the other, monies are virtually recognized based upon the expenditures recorded and are virtually unrestricted as to purpose of expenditure and substantially irrevocable; i.e., revocable only for failure to comply with prescribed compliance requirements, such as with equal employment opportunity. These resources are reflected as revenues at the time of receipt or earlier if they meet the availability criteria. Expenditures reported in the SEFA are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance and/or OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, 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 as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The City is also the sub-recipient of federal funds that have been subjected to testing and are reported as expenditures and listed as federal pass-through funds. Federal awards other than those indicated as pass-through are considered direct.
Title: NONCASH ASSISTANCE Accounting Policies: Basis of accounting refers to when revenues and expenditures or expenses are recognized in the accounts and reported in the financial statements. Basis of accounting relates to the timing of the measurements made regardless of the measurement focus applied. The modified accrual basis of accounting is followed in the SEFA. Under the modified accrual basis of accounting, revenues are recognized in the accounting period in which they become both measurable and available to finance expenditures of the current period. Available means collectible within the current period or soon enough thereafter to be used to pay liabilities of the current period. Expenditures are recorded when the related liability is incurred. In applying the susceptible-to-accrual concept to intergovernmental revenues, the legal and contractual requirements of the numerous individual programs are used as guidance. There are however essentially two types of such revenues. In one, monies must be expended on the specific purpose or project before any amounts will be paid to the City; therefore, revenues are recognized based upon the expenditures recorded. In the other, monies are virtually recognized based upon the expenditures recorded and are virtually unrestricted as to purpose of expenditure and substantially irrevocable; i.e., revocable only for failure to comply with prescribed compliance requirements, such as with equal employment opportunity. These resources are reflected as revenues at the time of receipt or earlier if they meet the availability criteria. Expenditures reported in the SEFA are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance and/or OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, 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 as allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The City did not receive any federal noncash assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023.

Finding Details

Condition: Although the City drewdown and received approximately $2.5M in grant funds, it had expended only approximately $1.49M for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. Criteria: Non-federal entities must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the U.S. Treasury or pass-through entity and disbursement by the non-federal entity for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of allowable indirect costs whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means (2 CFR section 200.305(b), 45 CFR Part 75.305(b)). According to the Office of Management and Budget 2023 Compliance Supplement, what constitutes minimized elapsed time for funds transfer depends on the method of payment the auditee uses. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) processes its financial transaction through its Program Support Center, which uses the Payment Management System (PMS). Payments requested through the HHS PMS are generally available to the auditee the next business day. Under the advance payment method, payment may be made to the auditee prior to the auditee's disbursement of program funds, so long as the auditee "...maintains, or demonstrates the willingness to maintain, both written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the U.S. Treasury and disbursement by the non-federal entity..." Cause: The City requested and received grant funds prior to having a need for such funds. Effect: The City did not comply with cash management requirements as set forth by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), 2 CFR section 200.305(b), and 45 CFR Part 75.305(b). As a result, at the end of the fiscal year, the City had in more than $1M in HHS funds in its financial institution account. Questioned costs: N/A Recommendation: We recommend that the City develop and implement procedures to ensure that federal funds are only either requested as reimbursement for allowable program disbursement. In those instances where a federal program allow advance payments, procedures should be implemented to ensure that those payments are for immediate cash needs City's Response: The City will not draw down any grant funds prior to incurring the expenditure.
Condition: Although the City drewdown and received approximately $2.5M in grant funds, it had expended only approximately $1.49M for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. Criteria: Non-federal entities must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the U.S. Treasury or pass-through entity and disbursement by the non-federal entity for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of allowable indirect costs whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means (2 CFR section 200.305(b), 45 CFR Part 75.305(b)). According to the Office of Management and Budget 2023 Compliance Supplement, what constitutes minimized elapsed time for funds transfer depends on the method of payment the auditee uses. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) processes its financial transaction through its Program Support Center, which uses the Payment Management System (PMS). Payments requested through the HHS PMS are generally available to the auditee the next business day. Under the advance payment method, payment may be made to the auditee prior to the auditee's disbursement of program funds, so long as the auditee "...maintains, or demonstrates the willingness to maintain, both written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the U.S. Treasury and disbursement by the non-federal entity..." Cause: The City requested and received grant funds prior to having a need for such funds. Effect: The City did not comply with cash management requirements as set forth by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), 2 CFR section 200.305(b), and 45 CFR Part 75.305(b). As a result, at the end of the fiscal year, the City had in more than $1M in HHS funds in its financial institution account. Questioned costs: N/A Recommendation: We recommend that the City develop and implement procedures to ensure that federal funds are only either requested as reimbursement for allowable program disbursement. In those instances where a federal program allow advance payments, procedures should be implemented to ensure that those payments are for immediate cash needs City's Response: The City will not draw down any grant funds prior to incurring the expenditure.