Finding 1237981 (2025-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-09-29

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Authority failed to follow its own waiting list selection policies for the Housing Voucher Cluster, leading to potential noncompliance with HUD regulations.
  • Impacted Requirements: The PHA must have clear written policies and demonstrate adherence to these policies when selecting applicants from the waiting list.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement stronger internal controls to ensure compliance with selection procedures and HUD regulations.

Finding Text

Finding 2025-003 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Titles: Housing Voucher Cluster - Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Emergency Housing Vouchers Federal Assistance Listing Numbers: 14.871 and 14.EHV Noncompliance - N. Special Tests and Provisions - Selection from the Waiting List Non Compliance Material to the Financial Statements: No Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance for Special Tests and Provisions Criteria: Selections from the Waiting List. The PHA must have written policies in its Section 8 Administrative Plan for selecting applicants from the waiting list and PHA documentation must show that the PHA follows these policies when selecting applicants from the waiting list. Except for as provided in 24 CFR section 982.203 (Special admission (non-waiting list), all families admitted to the program must be selected from the waiting list. “Selection” from the waiting list generally occurs when the PHA notifies a family whose name reaches the top of the waiting list to come in to verify eligibility for admission (24CFR sections 5.410, 982.54(d), and 982.201 through 982.207). Condition: Based upon inspection of the waiting list provided to us during the time of audit, the new move-in list and discussions with management, it could not be determined with any certainty that certain new move-ins to the Housing Voucher Cluster were selected from the waiting list in an order that is in accordance with the Authority’s Section 8 Administrative Plan. Context: There were approximately one hundred fifteen (115) newly leased Housing Voucher Cluster units. Of a sample size of twelve (12) new move-ins, two (2) could not be determined to be housed in proper order from the Authority's waiting list. Our sample size is statistically valid. Known Questioned Costs: Amount is below threshold of $25,000. Cause: There is a significant deficiency in internal controls over the compliance for the special tests and provisions type of compliance related to selection from the waiting list. The Authority has not properly housed applicants in compliance with program requirements. Effect: The Authority's inability to demonstrate compliance with waiting list selection requirements increases the risk that Housing Voucher Cluster assistance was provided to participants who were not selected in accordance with HUD regulations and the Authority's Administrative Plan. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority design and implement internal control procedures that will reasonably assure compliance with the Uniform Guidance and the compliance supplement.

Corrective Action Plan

Authority's Response and Planned Corrective Action: The Authority accepts the recommendation of the auditor. The Authority will increase oversight in the Housing Voucher Cluster to ensure that established internal control policies are being followed on a timely basis. Marisol Aponte, Acting Director of Housing Choice Voucher Program, is responsible for ensuring the deficiencies have been rectified by December 31, 2026.

Categories

HUD Housing Programs Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1237980 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1237982 2025-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1237983 2025-005
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS $19.84M
14.889 CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS $7.78M
14.850 PUBLIC HOUSING OPERATING FUND $7.36M
14.872 PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND $2.00M
14.896 FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM $17,554