Finding 1169245 (2025-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
ABG
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-01-16
Audit: 382200
Organization: City of Central (LA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The City’s internal control policies for federal awards are outdated and do not fully comply with current federal requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 2 CFR § 200.303(a) is lacking, increasing risks related to federal fund management.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Update and enhance documentation of internal controls to align with Uniform Guidance and ensure compliance.

Finding Text

2025-001 Documentation of Internal Controls over Federal Awards Year Finding Originated: 2025 Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.303(a), the non-Federal entity must establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over Federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the awards. Condition: Although the City maintains formal policies and procedures which document internal controls, the policies are not up to date with current Federal requirements and are not prescribed as required by the Uniform Guidance. Further, the policies do not cover all aspects of compliance pertaining to the federal programs the City facilitates. Cause: City management was not aware of all documentation requirements under Uniform Guidance for internal controls over federal programs. Effect: The City’s failure to document internal control procedures related to federal programs increases the risk of noncompliance with federal requirements, misstatement of financial reports, and potential misuse of federal funds. Recommendation: We recommend that the City enhance and document internal controls over federal awards in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.303(a). Views of responsible officials: See management’s response to finding on Page 72.

Corrective Action Plan

We have carefully reviewed the finding of Documentation of Internal Controls over Federal Awards. The City of Central concurs with the finding. City management recognizes the importance of maintaining current, comprehensive, and properly documented internal controls over federal awards in accordance with 2 CFR part 200.303(a). The City acknowledges that while formal policies and procedures existed, they were not fully updated to reflect current Uniform Guidance requirements and did not sufficiently address all applicable compliance areas for the federal programs administered. The City will undertake a comprehensive review of its existing policies and procedures. Management will update and formalize internal control documentation over federal awards to ensure alignment with Uniform Guidance requirements and to address all relevant compliance areas applicable to the City’s federal programs. This process will include identifying key control activities, documenting responsibilities, and ensuring controls are properly designed and implemented. Additionally, management will increase awareness of Uniform Guidance requirements and internal controls documentation standards by providing resources to applicable staff. Management will continue to periodically review internal control documentation to ensure continued compliance as federal requirements change. Responsible Officials: Mayor Wade Evans; Suzonne Cowart, CPA; Michele Lobianco Anticipated Completion Date: February 2026

Categories

Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
20.205 HIGHWAY PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION $966,106
97.036 DISASTER GRANTS - PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTERS) $314,294
97.039 HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT $239,733