2022-005 Special Tests and Provisions: Public Housing New Admissions and Waiting List Public and Indian Housing Program ? CFDA Number 14.850 Material Weakness in Internal Control, Material Noncompliance Repeat Finding from June 30, 2021 reported as Finding 2021-003 Condition: New Admissions: ...
2022-005 Special Tests and Provisions: Public Housing New Admissions and Waiting List Public and Indian Housing Program ? CFDA Number 14.850 Material Weakness in Internal Control, Material Noncompliance Repeat Finding from June 30, 2021 reported as Finding 2021-003 Condition: New Admissions: We selected 5 new admissions (out of a population of 13) and noted the following: ? We are unable to test if the 5 new admissions were properly selected from the waiting list. Normally we are able to verify by checking where the applicant was on the wait list prior to selection and comparing the waiting list ranking (for date/time applied and preferences) to the application submitted. However, the Authority was not able to provide the applications from which would show the date and time they applied as well as any preferences selected so we were unable to determine if the new admissions were properly selected from the waiting list. Waiting list: We selected 25 applicants on the current waiting list (out of approximately of 700 applicants) and noted the following: ? We were unable to test the 25 applicants selected for testing. The Authority was unable to provide the application for each person on the waiting list and therefore we were unable to determine if the waiting list is ranked properly. As discussed with personnel, all active applications are received electronically (when the waiting list is open). The families create the application entering information such as family members, family income and family expenses. However, the on-line system appears to be flawed as it does not provide fields to indicate preferences (such as for being homeless or living locally) which if entered, would give the applicant points so they could be ranked higher on the waiting list and therefore selected faster. Once the applicant is selected to be housed, the Authority manually applies the applicable preferences (but at that point the Authority may have selected someone on the waiting list that should have been selected earlier and defeats the purpose of having preferences). The Authority has addressed this issue with Yardi and has sent notices to all active applicants asking them to update their preferences which the Authority will manually apply and generate the waiting list and the process is expected to be finalized before March 31, 2023. As a result of the above, applicants may not be ranked properly on the waiting list and applicants may be selected out of order. Auditor?s Recommendation: The Authority should review procedures and increase training to employees and reviewers to ensure that the Authority is in compliance with HUD rules for new admissions and waiting list maintenance. In addition, the Authority should implement a review procedure to make sure that all tenants are admitted in the proper order with proper supporting documentation. In addition, the Authority should continue to investigate the issues with the waiting list software. Action Taken: The Authority transitioned its waiting list to Yardi in March 2020. All HCV staff were trained on the use of Yardi?s Wait List module and subsequently trained on wait list administration such as eligibility, preferences, selection, and file processing. Considering the recent audit findings, the following actions items will be implemented in the specified time frame: ? The Authority has fully implemented the use of an electronic system to maintain the waitlist activity. The Yardi system inherently, with proper usage, provides a more thorough approach to waitlist maintenance. The errors noted were data entry errors not a system flaw. As such, a 100% QC will be conducted by the Senior Property Manager for each existing applicant. Task will be completed on or before April 30, 2023. ? The Authority will review all applicants and assign the correct preference status for each. Task will be completed on or before May 15, 2023. ? The site based waiting list will be merged into a centralized wait list and will be managed by the Occupancy Specialists and overseen by the Senior Property Manager. Waitlist merge will be completed on or before May 15, 2023. ? Provide additional hands-on training for staff on the proper wait list procedures and protocol. Hands-on training will include the use of Yardi?s wait list module as well as HUDs rules on wait list administration coupled with the guidance outlined in the Administrative Plan. Task will be completed on or before May 31, 2023. ? Implement a 100% quality control review of all applicant files. Task will be completed by an outside specialized compliance consulting company. The consulting company will report initial findings to the Authority and deficiencies will be cured before the final completion of leasing activities. Thereby reducing any additional findings with waiting list. Task will begin March 1, 2023 and will continue for one year. ? Repeated noted errors will be reported to the Senior Property Manager and additional hand?s-on training will be completed as necessary. ? Standard Operating Procedures on waitlist management will be developed and implemented. All staff will receive training on the procedures and will be expected to adhere to the protocol and will be made accountable for such work. Effective Date: March 21, 2023 Contact Information Charles Woodyard, Executive Director/CEO Housing Authority of the City of Daytona Beach, Florida 211 N. Ridgewood Avenue, Suite 300 Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 (386) 253-5653