Finding 1201602 (2025-002)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-03-30

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: JCDC defaulted on its loan with USDA in 2017 due to insufficient cash flow from the Walker Hill Apartments.
  • Impacted Requirements: Failure to meet loan covenants, specifically the obligation to make timely payments to USDA.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: JCDC should work on resolving the loan default with USDA as outlined in the Corrective Action Plan.

Finding Text

2025-002 – NONCOMPLIANCE WITH LOAN AGREEMENT SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY / OTHER MATTER U.S. Department of Agriculture ALN 10.415 – Rural Rental Housing Loans CRITERIA Mortgage and Security Agreement between Jackson County Development Corporation (JCDC) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Loan covenants (1) To pay promptly when due any indebtedness to the Government (USDA). CONDITION JCDC defaulted on its loan with USDA in 2017 by not making required payments. CAUSE The underlying asset (Walker Hill Apartments) was not yielding sufficient cash flow, without which JCDC was not able to make the necessary loan payments. EFFECT The property is in foreclosure and has not received rental subsidy from USDA since 2017. QUESTIONED COSTS None identified. CONTEXT Our testing was limited to the single loan with USDA. REPEAT FINDING Not a repeat finding. RECOMMENDATION We recommend that the Authority resolve this matter with USDA. AUDITEE’S RESPONSE AND PLANNED CORRECTIVE ACTION See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding Numbers: 2025-001 and 2025-002 Program: USDA Rural Rental Housing Loans – ALN 10.415 Title: Noncompliance with Loan Agreement Corrective Action Plan: The Jackson County Development Corporation (JCDC) defaulted on the USDA Rural Development loan in 2017 due to insufficient operating cash flow generated by the Walker Hill Apartments. Since that time, the Housing Authority of Jackson County (JCHA) and JCDC have actively engaged in ongoing communication with USDA Rural Development to resolve the matter. During fiscal year 2025 and continuing into 2026, JCHA has taken the following actions to resolve the default: • In January 2025, JCHA requested an appraisal from USDA Rural Development; however, Rural Development indicated that an appraisal would not be conducted until an offer was received on the property. • JCHA coordinated with a licensed broker and posted the Walker Hill development for sale on April 15, 2025, for the balance owed on the USDA note. • Due to lack of offers, the listing price was reduced to $355,000. • Two residents relocated to public housing units, and the property currently has one remaining resident. • USDA Rural Development also indicated that they would post an additional listing on their portal to assist with marketing the property. • On August 8, 2025, JCHA received a cash offer for the property and forwarded the information to USDA Rural Development for review. • USDA Rural Development ordered an appraisal on August 11, 2025; the appraisal inspection was completed October 3, 2025. • The appraisal resulted in a value of approximately $250,000. USDA Rural Development indicated that a $75,000 offer could not be accepted based on the appraised value. • The property was subsequently listed at $285,000 to solicit additional interest. • As of March 25, 2026, a potential buyer has provided proof of funds and is pursuing financing. Upon receipt of a pre-approval letter, the offer will be formally submitted to USDA Rural Development for approval. It remains the intent of JCHA and JCDC to fully resolve this matter through completion of the USDA foreclosure and disposition process. JCHA will continue to cooperate with USDA Rural Development and provide documentation, property access, and administrative support necessary to facilitate resolution. Upon final disposition of the property, JCHA anticipates dissolving the JCDC entity, thereby eliminating any remaining obligations associated with the loan. Anticipated Completion Date: Resolution is dependent upon USDA Rural Development approval of a sale or completion of foreclosure proceedings. Management anticipates resolution during fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, subject to USDA Rural Development timelines. Responsible Party: Executive Director, Housing Authority of Jackson County JCDC Board of Commissioners Respectfully Submitted,

Categories

Significant Deficiency Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.872 PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND $3.09M
14.850 PUBLIC HOUSING OPERATING FUND $2.69M
10.415 RURAL RENTAL HOUSING LOANS $422,506
14.888 LEAD-BASED PAINT CAPITAL FUND PROGRAM $269,312
14.879 MAINSTREAM VOUCHERS $110,857
14.871 SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS $68,065
14.870 RESIDENT OPPORTUNITY AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES $60,687