2022-002 Tenant Files: Eligibility Program: U.S. Department of HUD: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (CFDA 14.871) Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control and Material Noncompliance This is a repeat finding of 2021-001 from September 30, 2021 (Other Matter and Significant Deficiency ...
2022-002 Tenant Files: Eligibility Program: U.S. Department of HUD: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (CFDA 14.871) Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control and Material Noncompliance This is a repeat finding of 2021-001 from September 30, 2021 (Other Matter and Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance). Originally reported as finding 2019-001 from September 30, 2019 (Material Weakness in Internal Control and Material Noncompliance) Statement of Condition: Out of a total tenant population of approximately 1,114 vouchers, 25 files were selected for testing. Exceptions were noted as follows: ? 1 tenant file had the following errors: o The tenant?s annual recertification application is missing. o The tenant?s signed 9886 form is missing. o The wrong utility allowance schedule was used to calculate the tenants? utility allowance. Correcting this error would cause the HAP rent to increase by $9. o The tenant?s signed HAP contract is missing. ? 1 tenant file had the following errors: o The name and social security number for one of the tenant?s dependents was reported incorrectly on the 50058 form. o The tenant?s utility allowance was calculated correctly but was reported incorrectly on the 50058 form. Correcting this error would cause the HAP rent to increase by $56. ? 1 tenant file had the following errors: o The lease agreement was not signed by the tenant. o The tenant?s assets was reported in error. Correcting this error would cause the rent to increase by $8. ? 2 tenant files where the tenants? income was miscalculated. Correcting the errors would cause the HAP rent for one of tenant files to decrease by $12 and the other to increase by $181. ? 2 tenant files where the wrong utility allowance schedule was used to calculate the tenants? utility allowance. Correcting these errors would cause the HAP rent for one of the tenant files to decrease by $13 and the other to increase by $14. ? 1 tenant file where the family?s assets was reported in error. Correcting the errors had no effect on the HAP rent. ? 1 tenant file where a member of the household moved but was reported on the 50058 form. ? 1 tenant file where the tenant?s signed HAP contract is missing. ? 1 tenant file where the EIV report was never generated or was misplaced. In addition to the above, we noted the following during our new admissions testing (out of a total of 118 new admission, 18 files were selected for testing.): ? 1 tenant file where the member of the household did not checkmark the checkbox on the 214-affidavit form indicating that they are a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident. However, the member?s birth certificate confirms that the member is a U.S. Citizen. ? 1 tenant file where the tenant?s signed 214-affidavit is missing. However, the member?s birth certificate confirms that the member is a U.S. Citizen. Recommendation: The Authority should correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and utilize an ongoing quality control review process on the entire tenant population to ensure proper compliance with the requirements related to tenant eligibility. Ongoing staff training and timely management reviews should be utilized to ensure staff is aware of acceptable procedures. In addition, the Authority should review staffing levels, skill sets and case load. Action Taken: The Authority concurs with this finding. The Authority has an established review, oversight and training process and will continue to improve its review, oversight, and training process to ensure proper procedures are being followed. All audit findings of the files tested will have been corrected. The Authority has implemented a quality control system so that every file receives a quality review for appropriate third-party verification and upfront income and assistance is determined. The agency has created a Family Worksheet and an HCV Computation Worksheet to help staff identify errors in calculations and to check for accuracy prior to completing Annual Reexaminations and Interim Recertifications. The agency has changed its filing system to enable staff to thoroughly review all forms prior to admission and during regular recertification and interim adjustment processing. The agency created an Other Adult packet to ensure 214 forms and other pertinent are completed for all adult household members. The HCV Counselor caseloads have been distributed equitably amongst Counselors to promote efficiency and accuracy while working on each HCV participant?s file. The Counselor?s caseload is divided alphabetically and assigned by multifamily developments to track and monitor counselors? strength and weaknesses, and to determine if additional training and/or monitoring is needed. Internal file reviews are being completed and management will continue to conduct a 10% review for each Counselor?s processing of annual recertifications. This percentage may increase if work product indicates a need for more stringent review. To further ensure compliance and accuracy, the HCV Program Manager will review at least 1 out of every 5 intake files. The Authority has had a significant turnover in the HCV department over the past 24 months. All HCV staff will attend Voucher Specialist training and Nan McKay HCV Rental Calculation Certification training. Effective Date: June 20, 2023 Contact Information Gwendolyn B. Dawson, CEO Ocala Housing Authority 1629 NW 4th Street Ocala, Florida 34475 (352) 369-2636