Finding Number: 2024‐001
Repeat Finding: No
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal
Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Housing Voucher Cluster 14.871 N/A N/A
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund 21.207 N/A N/A
Federal Agency(ies): Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Treasury
Pass‐Through Agency(ies): Direct, Arizona Governor’s Office
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirements: Reporting
Criteria
Under 2 CFR §200.303, the City is required to establish and maintain effective internal controls over
Federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that the City is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. In
addition, PHAs submit HUD‐52681‐B monthly to HUD electronically via the VMS. Critical information
from this report including unit months leased, HAP expenses, unrestricted net position
(administrative fee reserves), restricted net position (HAP reserves), and cash in investments should
be accurate and supported. In addition, recipients of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund monies
are required to submit Project and Expenditure Reports either quarterly or annually in accordance
with the SLFRF Compliance and Reporting Guidance issued by the Department of Treasury. In
addition, in accordance with 2 CFR §200.512, the single audit must be completed, and the data
collection form and reporting package must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after
receipt of the auditor's report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.
Condition
The City did not have consistent processes and procedures to track federal grant information and
expenditures. In addition, adequate supporting documentation for amounts reported was not
maintained and the single audit was not submitted timely.
Cause
The City's internal controls were not adequately designed to track federal grant information needed
for the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA). In addition, controls over document
retention and report submission did not function as designed.
Effect
The City was not in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines for reporting. Context
The following items were noted:
The City does not have a consistent process to track federal grant information and
expenditures. As a result, $113,998 of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund expenditures
were not reported on the fiscal year 2023 SEFA.
For all three Housing Voucher Cluster monthly financial reports reviewed, the City could not
support how unrestricted net position and restricted net position agreed to the financial
reporting software.
The annual Project and Expenditures Report for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery
Funds program did not have accurately reported obligation or expenditures amounts.
The City's Single Audit Report was not completed and submitted within nine months of fiscal
year‐end.
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample.
Recommendation
The City should standardize its process for tracking federal grant information, including the
expenditure amount necessary for SEFA reporting. The City should design and implement effective
internal controls over the review and retention of supporting documentation regarding the amounts
reported. In addition, the City should implement better controls over financial reporting to ensure all
documents are prepared and available for the timely completion of the financial and single audit
reports.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐001
Repeat Finding: No
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal
Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Housing Voucher Cluster 14.871 N/A N/A
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund 21.207 N/A N/A
Federal Agency(ies): Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Treasury
Pass‐Through Agency(ies): Direct, Arizona Governor’s Office
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirements: Reporting
Criteria
Under 2 CFR §200.303, the City is required to establish and maintain effective internal controls over
Federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that the City is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. In
addition, PHAs submit HUD‐52681‐B monthly to HUD electronically via the VMS. Critical information
from this report including unit months leased, HAP expenses, unrestricted net position
(administrative fee reserves), restricted net position (HAP reserves), and cash in investments should
be accurate and supported. In addition, recipients of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund monies
are required to submit Project and Expenditure Reports either quarterly or annually in accordance
with the SLFRF Compliance and Reporting Guidance issued by the Department of Treasury. In
addition, in accordance with 2 CFR §200.512, the single audit must be completed, and the data
collection form and reporting package must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after
receipt of the auditor's report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.
Condition
The City did not have consistent processes and procedures to track federal grant information and
expenditures. In addition, adequate supporting documentation for amounts reported was not
maintained and the single audit was not submitted timely.
Cause
The City's internal controls were not adequately designed to track federal grant information needed
for the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA). In addition, controls over document
retention and report submission did not function as designed.
Effect
The City was not in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines for reporting. Context
The following items were noted:
The City does not have a consistent process to track federal grant information and
expenditures. As a result, $113,998 of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund expenditures
were not reported on the fiscal year 2023 SEFA.
For all three Housing Voucher Cluster monthly financial reports reviewed, the City could not
support how unrestricted net position and restricted net position agreed to the financial
reporting software.
The annual Project and Expenditures Report for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery
Funds program did not have accurately reported obligation or expenditures amounts.
The City's Single Audit Report was not completed and submitted within nine months of fiscal
year‐end.
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample.
Recommendation
The City should standardize its process for tracking federal grant information, including the
expenditure amount necessary for SEFA reporting. The City should design and implement effective
internal controls over the review and retention of supporting documentation regarding the amounts
reported. In addition, the City should implement better controls over financial reporting to ensure all
documents are prepared and available for the timely completion of the financial and single audit
reports.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐002
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023‐101
Program Name/Assistance Listing Title: Housing Voucher Cluster
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Federal Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Award Number: N/A
Pass‐Through Agency: N/A
Questioned Costs: N/A
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions
Criteria
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) participating in the Housing Choice Vouchers program must do the
following in relation to special tests and provisions:
PHAs are required to enter into general depository agreements (GDA) with their financial
institutions in the form required by Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (24 CFR section
982.156)
PHAs are required to maintain complete and accurate accounts including the balances of HAP
and administrative fee equity. (24 CFR section 982.158)
PHAs are required to inspect units leased to determine if they meet Housing Quality Standards
(HQS). If a unit fails an inspection, it must be repaired within 30 days if not a life‐threatening
condition. (24 CFR section 982.405) 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 (24 CFR section 982.404).
PHAs must have written policies in its HCVP administrative plan for selecting applicants from
the waiting list and PHA documentation must show that the PHA follows these policies when
selecting applicants for admission from the waiting list. (24 CFR sections 982.204 and 982.205).
Condition
Internal controls were not functioning to maintain adequate documentation.
Cause
Internal controls and review procedures did not function as designed throughout the year for all
required compliance requirements.
Effect
The PHA was not in compliance with special tests and provisions requirements. Context
We noted the following items during our review of special tests and provisions requirements for the
Housing Voucher Cluster:
An executed copy of the depositor agreement as required by HUD was not maintained.
Prior year ending equity balances reported as part of the HUD REAC submission did not agree
to beginning equity balances.
For one of 15 continuing tenants reviewed, the City did not maintain documentation following
up on a failed HQS inspection.
For one of 20 waiting list applicants reviewed, the date applied did not agree with the
application received date by one day. The applications position on the waitlist was affected by
two spots.
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program applicants were added to the regular Housing
Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list. However, those selected for EHV were not limited by those
on the regular HCV waiting list. EHV vouchers were still distributed on a first come basis to
those qualifying for the EHV program. However, the City should maintain a separate wait list
for the EHV program.
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample.
Recommendation
The PHA should ensure it maintains documentation required by HUD. This includes an executed copy
of the depositor agreement, information supporting changes in equity balances, and documentation
supporting the follow up of failed HQS inspections. In addition, the PHA should ensure review
procedures over the follow up of failed HQS inspections and maintenance of the waiting list are
operating appropriately.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐002
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023‐101
Program Name/Assistance Listing Title: Housing Voucher Cluster
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Federal Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Award Number: N/A
Pass‐Through Agency: N/A
Questioned Costs: N/A
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions
Criteria
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) participating in the Housing Choice Vouchers program must do the
following in relation to special tests and provisions:
PHAs are required to enter into general depository agreements (GDA) with their financial
institutions in the form required by Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (24 CFR section
982.156)
PHAs are required to maintain complete and accurate accounts including the balances of HAP
and administrative fee equity. (24 CFR section 982.158)
PHAs are required to inspect units leased to determine if they meet Housing Quality Standards
(HQS). If a unit fails an inspection, it must be repaired within 30 days if not a life‐threatening
condition. (24 CFR section 982.405) 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 (24 CFR section 982.404).
PHAs must have written policies in its HCVP administrative plan for selecting applicants from
the waiting list and PHA documentation must show that the PHA follows these policies when
selecting applicants for admission from the waiting list. (24 CFR sections 982.204 and 982.205).
Condition
Internal controls were not functioning to maintain adequate documentation.
Cause
Internal controls and review procedures did not function as designed throughout the year for all
required compliance requirements.
Effect
The PHA was not in compliance with special tests and provisions requirements. Context
We noted the following items during our review of special tests and provisions requirements for the
Housing Voucher Cluster:
An executed copy of the depositor agreement as required by HUD was not maintained.
Prior year ending equity balances reported as part of the HUD REAC submission did not agree
to beginning equity balances.
For one of 15 continuing tenants reviewed, the City did not maintain documentation following
up on a failed HQS inspection.
For one of 20 waiting list applicants reviewed, the date applied did not agree with the
application received date by one day. The applications position on the waitlist was affected by
two spots.
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program applicants were added to the regular Housing
Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list. However, those selected for EHV were not limited by those
on the regular HCV waiting list. EHV vouchers were still distributed on a first come basis to
those qualifying for the EHV program. However, the City should maintain a separate wait list
for the EHV program.
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample.
Recommendation
The PHA should ensure it maintains documentation required by HUD. This includes an executed copy
of the depositor agreement, information supporting changes in equity balances, and documentation
supporting the follow up of failed HQS inspections. In addition, the PHA should ensure review
procedures over the follow up of failed HQS inspections and maintenance of the waiting list are
operating appropriately.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐001
Repeat Finding: No
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal
Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Housing Voucher Cluster 14.871 N/A N/A
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund 21.207 N/A N/A
Federal Agency(ies): Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Treasury
Pass‐Through Agency(ies): Direct, Arizona Governor’s Office
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirements: Reporting
Criteria
Under 2 CFR §200.303, the City is required to establish and maintain effective internal controls over
Federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that the City is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. In
addition, PHAs submit HUD‐52681‐B monthly to HUD electronically via the VMS. Critical information
from this report including unit months leased, HAP expenses, unrestricted net position
(administrative fee reserves), restricted net position (HAP reserves), and cash in investments should
be accurate and supported. In addition, recipients of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund monies
are required to submit Project and Expenditure Reports either quarterly or annually in accordance
with the SLFRF Compliance and Reporting Guidance issued by the Department of Treasury. In
addition, in accordance with 2 CFR §200.512, the single audit must be completed, and the data
collection form and reporting package must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after
receipt of the auditor's report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.
Condition
The City did not have consistent processes and procedures to track federal grant information and
expenditures. In addition, adequate supporting documentation for amounts reported was not
maintained and the single audit was not submitted timely.
Cause
The City's internal controls were not adequately designed to track federal grant information needed
for the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA). In addition, controls over document
retention and report submission did not function as designed.
Effect
The City was not in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines for reporting. Context
The following items were noted:
The City does not have a consistent process to track federal grant information and
expenditures. As a result, $113,998 of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund expenditures
were not reported on the fiscal year 2023 SEFA.
For all three Housing Voucher Cluster monthly financial reports reviewed, the City could not
support how unrestricted net position and restricted net position agreed to the financial
reporting software.
The annual Project and Expenditures Report for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery
Funds program did not have accurately reported obligation or expenditures amounts.
The City's Single Audit Report was not completed and submitted within nine months of fiscal
year‐end.
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample.
Recommendation
The City should standardize its process for tracking federal grant information, including the
expenditure amount necessary for SEFA reporting. The City should design and implement effective
internal controls over the review and retention of supporting documentation regarding the amounts
reported. In addition, the City should implement better controls over financial reporting to ensure all
documents are prepared and available for the timely completion of the financial and single audit
reports.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐003
Repeat Finding: No
Program Name/Assistance Listing Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 21.207
Federal Agency: Department of Treasury
Federal Award Number: N/A
Pass‐Through Agency: Arizona Governor's Office
Questioned Costs: N/A
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Significant Deficiency
Compliance Requirement: Procurement
Criteria
Non‐federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making sub awards under covered
transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include those
procurement contracts for goods and services awarded under a non‐procurement transaction that
are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR §180.220.
Condition
Verification of suspension and debarment was not performed for all vendors with whom the City
spent at least $25,000 using federal grant monies.
Cause
The City does not have a process in place to verify vendors for suspension and debarment.
Effect
The City was not in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines related to suspension and
debarment.
Context
For the two vendors that the City spent over $25,000 of federal monies with, suspension and
debarment verification was not completed. However the vendors were not suspended or debarred.
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample.
Recommendation
The City should design and implement a process for ensuring that vendors with whom the City spends
more than $25,000 of federal monies with are not suspended or debarred.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐001
Repeat Finding: No
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal
Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Housing Voucher Cluster 14.871 N/A N/A
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund 21.207 N/A N/A
Federal Agency(ies): Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Treasury
Pass‐Through Agency(ies): Direct, Arizona Governor’s Office
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirements: Reporting
Criteria
Under 2 CFR §200.303, the City is required to establish and maintain effective internal controls over
Federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that the City is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. In
addition, PHAs submit HUD‐52681‐B monthly to HUD electronically via the VMS. Critical information
from this report including unit months leased, HAP expenses, unrestricted net position
(administrative fee reserves), restricted net position (HAP reserves), and cash in investments should
be accurate and supported. In addition, recipients of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund monies
are required to submit Project and Expenditure Reports either quarterly or annually in accordance
with the SLFRF Compliance and Reporting Guidance issued by the Department of Treasury. In
addition, in accordance with 2 CFR §200.512, the single audit must be completed, and the data
collection form and reporting package must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after
receipt of the auditor's report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.
Condition
The City did not have consistent processes and procedures to track federal grant information and
expenditures. In addition, adequate supporting documentation for amounts reported was not
maintained and the single audit was not submitted timely.
Cause
The City's internal controls were not adequately designed to track federal grant information needed
for the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA). In addition, controls over document
retention and report submission did not function as designed.
Effect
The City was not in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines for reporting. Context
The following items were noted:
The City does not have a consistent process to track federal grant information and
expenditures. As a result, $113,998 of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund expenditures
were not reported on the fiscal year 2023 SEFA.
For all three Housing Voucher Cluster monthly financial reports reviewed, the City could not
support how unrestricted net position and restricted net position agreed to the financial
reporting software.
The annual Project and Expenditures Report for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery
Funds program did not have accurately reported obligation or expenditures amounts.
The City's Single Audit Report was not completed and submitted within nine months of fiscal
year‐end.
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample.
Recommendation
The City should standardize its process for tracking federal grant information, including the
expenditure amount necessary for SEFA reporting. The City should design and implement effective
internal controls over the review and retention of supporting documentation regarding the amounts
reported. In addition, the City should implement better controls over financial reporting to ensure all
documents are prepared and available for the timely completion of the financial and single audit
reports.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐001
Repeat Finding: No
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal
Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Housing Voucher Cluster 14.871 N/A N/A
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund 21.207 N/A N/A
Federal Agency(ies): Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Treasury
Pass‐Through Agency(ies): Direct, Arizona Governor’s Office
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirements: Reporting
Criteria
Under 2 CFR §200.303, the City is required to establish and maintain effective internal controls over
Federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that the City is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. In
addition, PHAs submit HUD‐52681‐B monthly to HUD electronically via the VMS. Critical information
from this report including unit months leased, HAP expenses, unrestricted net position
(administrative fee reserves), restricted net position (HAP reserves), and cash in investments should
be accurate and supported. In addition, recipients of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund monies
are required to submit Project and Expenditure Reports either quarterly or annually in accordance
with the SLFRF Compliance and Reporting Guidance issued by the Department of Treasury. In
addition, in accordance with 2 CFR §200.512, the single audit must be completed, and the data
collection form and reporting package must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after
receipt of the auditor's report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.
Condition
The City did not have consistent processes and procedures to track federal grant information and
expenditures. In addition, adequate supporting documentation for amounts reported was not
maintained and the single audit was not submitted timely.
Cause
The City's internal controls were not adequately designed to track federal grant information needed
for the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA). In addition, controls over document
retention and report submission did not function as designed.
Effect
The City was not in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines for reporting. Context
The following items were noted:
The City does not have a consistent process to track federal grant information and
expenditures. As a result, $113,998 of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund expenditures
were not reported on the fiscal year 2023 SEFA.
For all three Housing Voucher Cluster monthly financial reports reviewed, the City could not
support how unrestricted net position and restricted net position agreed to the financial
reporting software.
The annual Project and Expenditures Report for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery
Funds program did not have accurately reported obligation or expenditures amounts.
The City's Single Audit Report was not completed and submitted within nine months of fiscal
year‐end.
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample.
Recommendation
The City should standardize its process for tracking federal grant information, including the
expenditure amount necessary for SEFA reporting. The City should design and implement effective
internal controls over the review and retention of supporting documentation regarding the amounts
reported. In addition, the City should implement better controls over financial reporting to ensure all
documents are prepared and available for the timely completion of the financial and single audit
reports.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐002
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023‐101
Program Name/Assistance Listing Title: Housing Voucher Cluster
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Federal Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Award Number: N/A
Pass‐Through Agency: N/A
Questioned Costs: N/A
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions
Criteria
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) participating in the Housing Choice Vouchers program must do the
following in relation to special tests and provisions:
PHAs are required to enter into general depository agreements (GDA) with their financial
institutions in the form required by Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (24 CFR section
982.156)
PHAs are required to maintain complete and accurate accounts including the balances of HAP
and administrative fee equity. (24 CFR section 982.158)
PHAs are required to inspect units leased to determine if they meet Housing Quality Standards
(HQS). If a unit fails an inspection, it must be repaired within 30 days if not a life‐threatening
condition. (24 CFR section 982.405) 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 (24 CFR section 982.404).
PHAs must have written policies in its HCVP administrative plan for selecting applicants from
the waiting list and PHA documentation must show that the PHA follows these policies when
selecting applicants for admission from the waiting list. (24 CFR sections 982.204 and 982.205).
Condition
Internal controls were not functioning to maintain adequate documentation.
Cause
Internal controls and review procedures did not function as designed throughout the year for all
required compliance requirements.
Effect
The PHA was not in compliance with special tests and provisions requirements. Context
We noted the following items during our review of special tests and provisions requirements for the
Housing Voucher Cluster:
An executed copy of the depositor agreement as required by HUD was not maintained.
Prior year ending equity balances reported as part of the HUD REAC submission did not agree
to beginning equity balances.
For one of 15 continuing tenants reviewed, the City did not maintain documentation following
up on a failed HQS inspection.
For one of 20 waiting list applicants reviewed, the date applied did not agree with the
application received date by one day. The applications position on the waitlist was affected by
two spots.
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program applicants were added to the regular Housing
Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list. However, those selected for EHV were not limited by those
on the regular HCV waiting list. EHV vouchers were still distributed on a first come basis to
those qualifying for the EHV program. However, the City should maintain a separate wait list
for the EHV program.
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample.
Recommendation
The PHA should ensure it maintains documentation required by HUD. This includes an executed copy
of the depositor agreement, information supporting changes in equity balances, and documentation
supporting the follow up of failed HQS inspections. In addition, the PHA should ensure review
procedures over the follow up of failed HQS inspections and maintenance of the waiting list are
operating appropriately.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐002
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023‐101
Program Name/Assistance Listing Title: Housing Voucher Cluster
Assistance Listing Number: 14.871
Federal Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Award Number: N/A
Pass‐Through Agency: N/A
Questioned Costs: N/A
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions
Criteria
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) participating in the Housing Choice Vouchers program must do the
following in relation to special tests and provisions:
PHAs are required to enter into general depository agreements (GDA) with their financial
institutions in the form required by Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (24 CFR section
982.156)
PHAs are required to maintain complete and accurate accounts including the balances of HAP
and administrative fee equity. (24 CFR section 982.158)
PHAs are required to inspect units leased to determine if they meet Housing Quality Standards
(HQS). If a unit fails an inspection, it must be repaired within 30 days if not a life‐threatening
condition. (24 CFR section 982.405) 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 (24 CFR section 982.404).
PHAs must have written policies in its HCVP administrative plan for selecting applicants from
the waiting list and PHA documentation must show that the PHA follows these policies when
selecting applicants for admission from the waiting list. (24 CFR sections 982.204 and 982.205).
Condition
Internal controls were not functioning to maintain adequate documentation.
Cause
Internal controls and review procedures did not function as designed throughout the year for all
required compliance requirements.
Effect
The PHA was not in compliance with special tests and provisions requirements. Context
We noted the following items during our review of special tests and provisions requirements for the
Housing Voucher Cluster:
An executed copy of the depositor agreement as required by HUD was not maintained.
Prior year ending equity balances reported as part of the HUD REAC submission did not agree
to beginning equity balances.
For one of 15 continuing tenants reviewed, the City did not maintain documentation following
up on a failed HQS inspection.
For one of 20 waiting list applicants reviewed, the date applied did not agree with the
application received date by one day. The applications position on the waitlist was affected by
two spots.
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program applicants were added to the regular Housing
Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list. However, those selected for EHV were not limited by those
on the regular HCV waiting list. EHV vouchers were still distributed on a first come basis to
those qualifying for the EHV program. However, the City should maintain a separate wait list
for the EHV program.
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample.
Recommendation
The PHA should ensure it maintains documentation required by HUD. This includes an executed copy
of the depositor agreement, information supporting changes in equity balances, and documentation
supporting the follow up of failed HQS inspections. In addition, the PHA should ensure review
procedures over the follow up of failed HQS inspections and maintenance of the waiting list are
operating appropriately.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐001
Repeat Finding: No
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal
Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Housing Voucher Cluster 14.871 N/A N/A
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund 21.207 N/A N/A
Federal Agency(ies): Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Treasury
Pass‐Through Agency(ies): Direct, Arizona Governor’s Office
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirements: Reporting
Criteria
Under 2 CFR §200.303, the City is required to establish and maintain effective internal controls over
Federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that the City is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. In
addition, PHAs submit HUD‐52681‐B monthly to HUD electronically via the VMS. Critical information
from this report including unit months leased, HAP expenses, unrestricted net position
(administrative fee reserves), restricted net position (HAP reserves), and cash in investments should
be accurate and supported. In addition, recipients of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund monies
are required to submit Project and Expenditure Reports either quarterly or annually in accordance
with the SLFRF Compliance and Reporting Guidance issued by the Department of Treasury. In
addition, in accordance with 2 CFR §200.512, the single audit must be completed, and the data
collection form and reporting package must be submitted within the earlier of 30 calendar days after
receipt of the auditor's report(s), or nine months after the end of the audit period.
Condition
The City did not have consistent processes and procedures to track federal grant information and
expenditures. In addition, adequate supporting documentation for amounts reported was not
maintained and the single audit was not submitted timely.
Cause
The City's internal controls were not adequately designed to track federal grant information needed
for the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA). In addition, controls over document
retention and report submission did not function as designed.
Effect
The City was not in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines for reporting. Context
The following items were noted:
The City does not have a consistent process to track federal grant information and
expenditures. As a result, $113,998 of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund expenditures
were not reported on the fiscal year 2023 SEFA.
For all three Housing Voucher Cluster monthly financial reports reviewed, the City could not
support how unrestricted net position and restricted net position agreed to the financial
reporting software.
The annual Project and Expenditures Report for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery
Funds program did not have accurately reported obligation or expenditures amounts.
The City's Single Audit Report was not completed and submitted within nine months of fiscal
year‐end.
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample.
Recommendation
The City should standardize its process for tracking federal grant information, including the
expenditure amount necessary for SEFA reporting. The City should design and implement effective
internal controls over the review and retention of supporting documentation regarding the amounts
reported. In addition, the City should implement better controls over financial reporting to ensure all
documents are prepared and available for the timely completion of the financial and single audit
reports.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐003
Repeat Finding: No
Program Name/Assistance Listing Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 21.207
Federal Agency: Department of Treasury
Federal Award Number: N/A
Pass‐Through Agency: Arizona Governor's Office
Questioned Costs: N/A
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Significant Deficiency
Compliance Requirement: Procurement
Criteria
Non‐federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making sub awards under covered
transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include those
procurement contracts for goods and services awarded under a non‐procurement transaction that
are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR §180.220.
Condition
Verification of suspension and debarment was not performed for all vendors with whom the City
spent at least $25,000 using federal grant monies.
Cause
The City does not have a process in place to verify vendors for suspension and debarment.
Effect
The City was not in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines related to suspension and
debarment.
Context
For the two vendors that the City spent over $25,000 of federal monies with, suspension and
debarment verification was not completed. However the vendors were not suspended or debarred.
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample.
Recommendation
The City should design and implement a process for ensuring that vendors with whom the City spends
more than $25,000 of federal monies with are not suspended or debarred.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.