Finding 1206355 (2023-006)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2026-04-10

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Authority failed to provide complete waiting list documentation, hindering verification of tenant admissions into the Public Housing Program.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with HUD regulations (24 CFR 960.206) regarding waiting list management and tenant selection procedures.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Reconcile the waiting list, reconstruct missing documents, update procedures, implement supervisory reviews, and train staff on compliance with HUD requirements.

Finding Text

Special Tests and Provisions - Waiting List Public and Indian Housing Program - AL No. 14.850 Material Weakness in Internal Control Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit, we noted that the Authority was unable to provide complete and adequate waiting list documentation to support the selection of tenants who were admitted into the Public Housing Program. Specifically, required records demonstrating waiting list position, selection order, and eligibility determinations were not available for review. As a result, we were unable to verify that applicants were admitted in accordance with HUD waiting list and tenant selection requirements. Criteria: In accordance with 24 CFR 960.206 the Authority should follow the policies and procedures documented in its Public Housing Administrative Plan for applicant eligibility, purging the waiting list, and maintaining the proper order of the waiting list. Context: The Auditor recognized an issue with maintaining an accurate and up to date waiting list. The waiting list report could not be located and staff were unable to pull a waitlist report from the system to show historical data. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing turnover and did not have the available staff to fully implement the established internal controls to ensure proper maintenance and compliance of the waiting list. Effect: The Authority is not in compliance with HUD requirements regarding waiting list and tenant placement which could result in tenants being housed incorrectly. Questioned Costs: None. Auditor Recommendations: We recommend that management perform a reconciliation of the waiting list and reconstruct missing documentation where possible to support applicant selection and admission into the program. Management should update and formalize waiting list procedures in accordance with HUD regulations and the Authority’s ACOP, implement supervisory review controls to verify completeness of waiting list documentation prior to tenant admission, and ensure records are retained in accordance with HUD and federal record-retention requirements. In addition, management should provide training to staff responsible for waiting list administration to promote consistent compliance with HUD requirements. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Special Tests and Provisions - Waiting List Public and Indian Housing - ALN 14.850 Material Weakness in Internal Controls Material Noncompliance Condition: During our audit, we noted that the Authority was unable to provide complete and adequate waiting list documentation to support the selection of tenants who were admitted i nto the Public Housing Program. Specifically, required records demonstrating waiting list position, selection order, and eligibility determinations were not available for review. As a result, we were unable to verify that applicants were admitted in accordance with HUD waiting list and tenant selection requirements. Auditor Recommendations: We recommend that management perform a reconciliation of the waiting list and reconstruct missing documentation where possible to support applicant selection and admission into the program. Management should update and formalize waiting list procedures in accordance with HUD regulations and the Authority's ACOP, i mplement supervisory review controls to verify completeness of waiting list documentation prior to tenant admission, and ensure records are retained in accordance with HUD and federal record-retention requirements. In addition, management should provide training to staff responsible for waiting list administration to promote consistent compliance with HUD requirements. Action Taken: HACM's Lease and Compliance department has done additional training with their staff since 2023 on Occupancy, Eligibility, Income and Rent Calculation. In addition, the Director has provided additional onboarding training to new employees and has provided YARDI Aspire training in how to perform certain tasks in YARDI software, i ncluding waitlist selection. We believe that the error rate will decrease in future years from 2023. In addition, between March 2026 and June 2026, the Lease and Compliance Director will work with all staff that maintain waitlists or perform waitlist selection to reiterate the proper documentations of how to maintain records that demonstrate waitlist positions, selection order and proper selection. Name of Responsible Person: Marquetta Treadway, Lease and Compliance Director Projected Completion Date: June 30, 2026

Categories

HUD Housing Programs Special Tests & Provisions Eligibility Material Weakness

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1206348 2023-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1206349 2023-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1206350 2023-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1206351 2023-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1206352 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1206353 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1206354 2023-005
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1206356 2023-007
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1206357 2023-007
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.850 PUBLIC HOUSING OPERATING FUND $7.60M
21.027 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS $4.69M
14.872 PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND $3.34M
14.895 JOBS-PLUS PILOT INITIATIVE $1.64M
14.871 SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS $946,780
14.870 RESIDENT OPPORTUNITY AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES - SERVICE COORDINATORS $89,889
14.889 CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS $48,677
14.249 SECTION 8 MODERATE REHABILITATION SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY $23,232