Finding 1174195 (2025-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
C
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-02-18

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Housing Authorities are not managing cash effectively, leading to delays in fund reimbursements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with PIH Notice 2025-14 regarding timely repayment of due to/due from accounts.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Strengthen internal controls to ensure timely reimbursement of funds.

Finding Text

2025-001 – Cash Management Compliance Requirement: Cash Management Condition and Criteria: Housing Authorities are required to have a sound cash management system in place to ensure that funds are reimbursed on a timely basis. . Per PIH Notice 2025-14, the amounts that are due to/due from each entity are to be repaid as soon as possible, leaving no long-term portion to be repaid. During the current fiscal year audit, it was noted that numerous funds were included in the short and long term due to/due from accounts. . It was also noted that the due to/due from accounts existed in prior years These accounts are eliminated on the Statement of Net Position. However, they are recorded on the Financial Data Schedule (FDS). Assistance Listing Number: 14.195, Section Eight Housing Assistance Payments Program, 14.871, Housing Choice Vouchers Type of Finding: Material Weakness Cause: The internal control structure was not adequate to prevent these deficiencies. Effect: Funds were not reimbursed on a timely basis. Questioned Costs: None known. Auditors’ Recommendation: We recommend that the Housing Authority strengthen its internal controls to ensure funds are reimbursed on a timely basis.

Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action Plan FYE 6/30/2025 Audit Finding # 2025-0001 – Cash Management The Housing Authority of the City of Prichard acknowledges the audit finding regarding interfund balances and accepts responsibility for implementing corrective actions to strengthen internal controls and ensure long-term financial sustainability. At the onset of the fiscal year, management recognized the need to reduce expenses and thus implemented an expense reduction strategy. In reviewing the overall operating expenses for the agency, comparing FYE 2025 to FYE 2024, overall operating expenses declined by approximately $1M, supporting management's goal to reaching a more sustainable long term financial strategy. To further this initiative and continue improving the cash flow position, management will pursue ongoing expense reductions and financial planning strategies to ensure long-term financial sustainability for the agency. This will be accomplished by implementing the following strategies: 1. Engage site management, maintenance, finance, and executive leadership in comprehensive reviews of approved budgets and financial statements to strengthen fiscal oversight and identify additional cost-reduction opportunities. 2. Executive management will review and approve specific categories of expenses to promote accountability, fiscal responsibility, and effective cost control. 3. Continue with enhancement of the agency's home ownership program, providing increased cash flows for operations and improved financial sustainability. 4. Evaluation measures will continue in which intercompany account balances will be reviewed on a monthly basis, determining which entities can support an intercompany reimbursement to the lending property. Upon determining entities with available cash flows, reimbursements will be processed. 5. Continue the agency's initiatives to increase revenues through transition of properties to other revenue streams that would provide more flexibility in establishing an increased rent structure (i.e. PBVs, market rate rents, etc.) As cash flow conditions improve, management will develop and implement a repayment plan to address intercompany balances, recognizing this as a long-term initiative critical to the Agency’s financial sustainability.

Categories

HUD Housing Programs Cash Management Material Weakness

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1174194 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS $22.94M
14.195 SECTION 8 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS PROGRAM $1.42M
14.872 PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND $508,246
14.850 PUBLIC AND INDIAN HOUSING $455,728
14.896 FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM $277,792
14.191 MULTIFAMILY HOUSING SERVICE COORDINATORS $80,870