Finding Text
Cause: The City’s internal control processes for reviewing and approving compensation changes were not followed promptly. There was a lack of procedures ensuring that salary adjustments were approved prior to the effective date. Effect or Potential Effect: Untimely approval of compensation changes increases the risk of inaccurate or unallowable personnel costs being charged to the federal award. This may result in questioned costs, noncompliance with federal regulations, and potential audit findings. Questioned Cost: None. Context: We selected five out of nine employees who worked on the program and in all cases, the PAF were authorized much later than the effective date of the compensation change. Statistical Sampling Validity: More than 50% of employees who work on the program were selected. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: 2022-005, 2023-005. Recommendation: The City should reinforce internal controls to ensure that all compensation changes are reviewed and approved promptly. This should include: Establishing a timeline for the approval of compensation adjustments. Implementing procedures that prevent compensation changes from being applied until formal approval is obtained. Ensuring proper documentation of all approved salary changes is maintained. Management Response and Corrective Action Plan City's Response: The City concurs with the recommendation and has implemented hiring for temporary work assignments in order to facilitate update. Corrective Action Plan: The HR and payroll software will be updated by the City by December 2026. Planned Implementation Date: December 2026 Responsible Person(s): City Manager