Finding Text
2025-001– ALN 14.850 – Public Housing Operating Fund – Activities Allowed or Unallowed Condition and Criteria: The Authority expended $1,977,517 of its operating subsidy on capital purchases, representing more than 20% of the total operating subsidy received. Applicable funding regulations and grant compliance requirements stipulate that operating subsidies must be used primarily for eligible operating expenses. Generally, regulations limit the percentage of operating funds that can be used for capital expenditures to no more than 20%, unless prior approval has been obtained from the funding agency. Amount of Questioned Costs. $1,977,517 resulting in unallowable costs created over years. Cause: The over-expenditure appears to have resulted from inadequate monitoring and control over budget allocations as the result of a HUD freeze on the Authority’s Capital Fund Grant. As well as a lack of clear internal procedures to ensure compliance with funding restrictions governing the use of operating subsidies. Effect: The Authority's use of operating subsidy funds in excess of allowable limits while under HUD restrictions resulted in noncompliance with funding requirements. This may subject the Authority to potential repayment obligations, questioned costs totaling $1,977,517, and increased scrutiny from oversight agencies. Auditor’s Recommendation: The Authority should strengthen internal controls over financial management to ensure operating subsidy funds are used in accordance with program requirements. This includes implementing formal review procedures, tracking expenditures against allowable thresholds, and seeking prior approval when necessary for capital-related expenditures. It is recommended that while under any type of HUD review or freeze of grant subsidy the Authority only use funds for necessary upkeep of its capital assets. Grantee Response: Management acknowledges the finding and will implement enhanced monitoring controls and staff training to ensure compliance with subsidy usage limitations moving forward. The Authority is now drawing down its CFP and is not using operating funds for CFP activities.