Finding 1173581 (2024-006)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2026-02-13

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The County overstated obligations and expenditures by over $2 million in the Project and Expenditure Report submitted to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
  • Impacted Requirements: The County failed to comply with federal regulations regarding internal controls and timely reporting, missing the April 30, 2025 deadline.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The County should review federal guidance for accurate reporting and ensure future submissions meet deadlines.

Finding Text

2024-006 Reporting Prior Year Finding Number: 2023-006 Year of Finding Origination: 2023 Type of Finding: Internal Control Over Compliance and Compliance Severity of Deficiency: Material Weakness and Modified Opinion Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Program: 21.027 COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Award Number and Year: Federal Direct; 2022 Pass-Through Agency: N/A – Direct Criteria: Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations § 200.303 states that the auditee must maintain internal control over federal programs that provides reasonable assurance that the auditee is managing federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards. The U.S. Department of the Treasury requires submission of an annual Project and Expenditure Report for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) that includes current period expenditures. Condition: The County overstated current period obligations and expenditures reported on the annual Project and Expenditure Report submitted to the U.S. Department of the Treasury by $997,578 and $1,149,654, respectively, due to not updating projects reported in prior annual reports. Additionally, cumulative expenditures were understated by $49,837, due to not including all applicable expenditures. Also, the County did not submit the annual Project and Expenditure Report by the federal deadline of April 30, 2025. Questioned Costs: None. Context: The County opted to spend the SLFRF award under the Revenue Replacement category, which allows spending on broader types of government services. The annual Project and Expenditure Report required to be submitted to the U.S. Department of the Treasury by April 30 of each year for the reporting period ending March 31 was submitted June 6, 2025. Effect: The County is not in compliance with federal reporting requirements. Cause: The County indicated difficulty tracking project expenditures due to staff turnover. Recommendation: We recommend the County review the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s guidance and form instructions to ensure accurate reporting of SLFRF activity. We also recommend the County submit future Project and Expenditure Reports by the federal deadline. View of Responsible Official: Acknowledge

Corrective Action Plan

Finding Number: 2024-006 Finding Title: Reporting Program: 21.027 COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Name of Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Charles Schrader, Auditor / Treasurer Corrective Action Planned: Faribault County will implement procedures to ensure federal program reports are completed accurately. This includes consulting reporting instructions provided by grantor agencies and seeking clarification from grantors when needed. Anticipated Completion Date: January 31, 2026

Categories

Material Weakness Reporting Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1173579 2024-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1173580 2024-005
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 COVID-19 - CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS $318,805
20.205 HIGHWAY PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION $57,822
97.042 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE GRANTS $23,164
16.575 CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE $20,689