Finding Text
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Pass-Through Agency: Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority Program: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ALN 21.027) Compliance Requirement: Reporting – Special Reporting (L) Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control (SD), Instance of Noncompliance (NC) Condition During the fiscal year, the Municipality administered funds from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, this allocation was granted directly from the Federal government and through Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority, respectively. In our Reporting Test, we evaluated three (3) monthly reports submitted to the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority. We found that the Municipality submitted two (2) of the three (3) reports late. Also, we evaluated the Annual Project and Expenditure Report submitted to the U.S. Department of Treasury. We determined that the report was submitted on time. Criteria The Municipal Strengthening Fund Transfer Agreement, Clause 5.1, states that the Transferee shall submit reports as the Transferor determines are needed to verify use of the funds and compliance with conditions that are imposed on the Transfer, and such reports shall be in such form, with such content, as specified by the Transferor in the Transfer Plan and future program instructions directed to all Recipients. The Transfer Plan, on Exhibit A, establishes that starting on the 15th day of the month following receipt of the funds, and by the 15th day of each month, the Transferee will submit a Use of Funds Report for the prior month’s expenses. Also, on the Municipal Strengthening Fund Program Guidelines, the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority specified on the Reporting Requirements Section that the recipients are required to submit monthly financial reports using the reporting template provided by the program. Cause of Condition The Municipality does not have adequate monitoring for the activity and the reports. Effect of Condition The program is not in compliance with the Reporting Requirements as established in the contract agreement and guidelines. Recommendation The Municipality should establish a monitoring system to ensure compliance with requirements established by the pass-through agency such as submitting the reports during the 15th day of each month. Questioned Costs None Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action The necessary instructions were given to the accounting staff in order to comply with the reporting requirements established by each federal grant that the Municipality currently manages. Responsible Official: Mrs. Irma M. Vargas Aguirre, Finance and Budget Director Implementation Date: December 31, 2025