Finding 1179519 (2024-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2026-03-14
Audit: 391894
Organization: Ida B Wells, INC (CT)
Auditor: WHITTLESEY PC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The project is not following the Regulatory Agreement by keeping residual receipts in the operating account and having an underfunded tenant security deposit account.
  • Impacted Requirements: Separate accounts for residual receipts and fully funded security deposits are required to comply with HUD regulations.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure a separate bank account for residual receipts is established and that the tenant security deposit account is fully funded by December 15, 2024.

Finding Text

S3800-010 Finding Reference Number 2024-001 S3800-011 Title and CFDA Number of Federal Program Supportive Housing for the Elderly - Section 202 Capital Advance 14.157 S3800-015 Type of Finding Federal Award Finding S3800-016 Finding Resolution Status In process S3800-017 Information on Universe Population Size N/A S3800-018 Sample Size Information N/A S3800-019 Identification of Repeat Finding and Finding Reference Number N/A S3800-020 Criteria The Regulatory Agreement sets forth specific requirements on the establishment and maintenance of various funds (i.e. security deposits, residual receipts, replacement reserve). Security deposit accounts must be funded at least equal to the related liability. S3800-030 Statement of Condition During our audit of the year ended July 31, 2024, we noted that although separate accounts for the replacement reserve and security deposits were established, residual receipts continue to be maintained in the Project’s operating bank account rather than in a separate designated account. In addition, the tenant security deposit account was underfunded, with the liability balance exceeding the restricted cash available at yearend. S3800-032 Cause Management did not establish a separate residual receipts account and has not ensured that the tenant security deposit account is fully funded. S3800-033 Effect or Potential Effect Ida B. Wells’ is not in compliance with the Regulatory Agreement. S3800-035 Auditor Non-Compliance Code N – Special Tests and Provisions S3800-040 Questioned Costs $0 S3800-045 Reporting Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with this finding. S3800-037 FHA/Contract number 017EE058 S3800-038 Questioned Costs $0 S3800-050 Context For the year ended July 31, 2023, the Project transitioned to a new management agent. At that time, the security deposits, residual receipts, and replacement reserve funds were transferred into the new agent’s operating account, and separate accounts were not set up timely. For the year ended July 31, 2024, management established a separate account for the replacement reserve; however, residual receipts continue to be held in the operating account and the security deposit account remains underfunded. S3800-080 Recommendation- We recommend management establish and maintain a separate bank account for residual receipts in accordance with HUD requirements and ensure that the tenant security deposit account is fully funded to cover the liability at all times. S3800-090 Auditor's Summary of the Auditee's Comments on the Findings and Recommendations Management will set up a separate bank account for the residual receipts and make the required deposit to the security deposits bank account. S3800-130 Response Indicator Agree S3800-140 Completion Date December 15, 2024 S3800-150 Response- Management has established a separate bank account for the residual receipts, and the required deposit to the security deposits bank account has been made.

Corrective Action Plan

Management has established separate bank accounts for the security deposits, residual receipts, and replacement reserve, and required deposits to the replacement reserve have been made.

Categories

HUD Housing Programs Special Tests & Provisions Cash Management Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1179518 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179520 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1179521 2024-002
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.157 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY $290,087