Finding Text
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Financial and Special Reporting Department of Treasury – 21.023 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Grant No(s): 1505-0266 Criteria: Per the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s reporting guidelines for ALN 21.023, recipients are required to submit timely and complete quarterly compliance reports to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of federal funds. Condition: Of the four reports selected for testing, Jefferson Parish did not submit two quarterly reports by the grantee submission deadlines. The reports had submission deadlines of April 15, 2024 and an extended deadline of August 14, 2024 and were submitted on June 12, 2024 and August 15, 2024, respectively. Universe/Population: The universe/population for Financial Reporting is four quarterly compliance reports. EA selected all four reports for testing of reporting compliance requirements applicable to the program. Cause: Jefferson Parish lacked an established control monitoring timely submission of required reports. Effect: Late reporting may hinder the Treasury’s ability to monitor program performance and financial integrity, potentially impacting future funding decisions and compliance evaluations. Questioned Costs: None determined. Identification of a repeat finding: This is a repeat finding from the previous audit, 2023-005. Recommendation: Jefferson Parish should establish a formalized control to monitor timely submission of Financial and Special Reports. View of Responsible Officials: Management acknowledges this repeat finding and recognizes that, while prior conditions contributed to the issue, corrective actions have been implemented and significant progress has been made to resolve the finding. Since the audit finding, required compliance reports have been submitted timely. Management considers the issue resolved; however, monitoring procedures will remain in place as a precaution to ensure continued compliance. Chief Administrative Assistant Nicole Thompson and Community Development Director Stephanie Brumfield will continue to monitor the submission of timely reports in compliance with federal requirements.