Finding 1162711 (2024-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-11-19
Audit: 372346
Organization: Anthony Housing Authority (TX)
Auditor: MIKE ESTES PC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Quality control processes for the Housing Choice Voucher Program are inadequate, particularly regarding SEMAP documentation and inspections.
  • Impacted Requirements: Failure to comply with federal regulations on SEMAP and annual utility allowance reviews, leading to potential deficiencies.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Management should complete the necessary documentation and ensure regular quality control inspections are conducted moving forward.

Finding Text

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program-CDFA #14.871 2024-003-Lack of quality control and SEMAP-Eligibility and Special Tests Criteria and Specific Requirement The waiting list, tenant file functions, and quality control should be documented. Condition Found The tenant files and waiting list were much improved over the prior year, for which numerous exceptions were noted. However, we did note the following: (a)-SEMAP was apparently not prepared by prior management. SEMAP is required by HUD regulations. This is a documentation that quality control was performed, broken down into subsets. Even if SEMAP was not required by HUD, at least similar documented quality control should be done and available for third party review. Statement of Auditing Standard #115, which auditors must follow, states “absent or inadequate segregation of duties within a significant account or process” is defined by the Standard as at least a significant deficiency or material weakness. Either require an audit finding. (b)-It appears that quality control inspections were not done. (c)-It appears that the last utility allowance review was done in August 2023. Federal regulations require that utility allowances be done annually. At least when any one category changes more than 10% since the last review, the allowances must be revised. Cause Apparent oversight. Effect Federal regulations were not complied with. Recommendation We have discussed the particulars with management. We have also furnished them with blank forms to complete the filing. View of responsible official We will comply with the auditor’s recommendation.

Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action Plan Finding: 2024-003-Lack of quality control and SEMAP-Eligibility and Special Tests Condition: The tenant files and waiting list were much improved over the prior year, for which numerous exceptions were noted. However, we did note the following: (a)-SEMAP was apparently not prepared by prior management. SEMAP is required by HUD regulations. This is a documentation that quality control was performed, broken down into subsets. Even if SEMAP was not required by HUD, at least similar documented quality control should be done and available for third party review. Statement of Auditing Standard #115, which auditors must follow, states “absent or inadequate segregation of duties within a significant account or process” is defined by the Standard as at least a significant deficiency or material weakness. Either require an audit finding. (b)-It appears that quality control inspections were not done. (c)-It appears that the last utility allowance review was done in August 2023. Federal regulations require that utility allowances be done annually. At least when any one category changes more than 10% since the last review, the allowances must be revised. Corrective Action Planned: We will comply with the auditor’s recommendation. Person responsible for corrective action: Louie Alfaro, Executive Director Telephone: (915) 886-4650 Housing Authority of the Town of Anthony, Texas Fax: (915) 886-2296 1007 Franklin Anthony, TX 79821 Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2025

Categories

HUD Housing Programs Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1162709 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1162710 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1162712 2024-005
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS $2.94M
14.850 PUBLIC AND INDIAN HOUSING $162,603
14.872 PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND $56,670