Finding Text
2024-037 - Citizen Participation Plan Federal Program 14.228 - Community Development Block Grants/State's Program Award Numbers CDBG Subgrant: 1137-21-111-PF-01 Federal Agency U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Compliance Requirement Special Tests and Provisions - 24 CFR §570.486(a) Type of Finding Internal Control over Compliance - Significant Deficiency Compliance - Noncompliance Questioned Costs None Criteria Per 24 CFR §570.486(a}, grantees must develop and follow a written Citizen Participation Plan that outlines procedures for public involvement, including public hearings, access to information, and comment periods. Condition The City of Batesville did not maintain a formal written Citizen Participation Plan for its 2021 CDBG Public Facilities Grant. Cause The City relied on general public notice and hearing procedures but did not document a formal plan specific to CDBG activities. Effect Without a formal plan, there is reduced assurance that citizen participation procedures are consistemtly applied across all CDBG activities. Recommendation The City should develop and maintain a written Citizen Participation Plan to ensure consistent compliance with HUD requirements. Views of Responsible Officials Management concurs with the finding. The City acknowledges that a formal Citizen Participation Plan was not in place for the 2021 CDBG Public Facilities Grant. To address this, the City will develop a written plan that outlines procedures for public hearings, access to information, and comment periods in accordance with 24 CFR §570.486(a). The plan will be adopted prior to the next CDBG application cycle and incorporated into future grant administration practices.