Finding 21151 (2022-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2022-12-28

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Authority has significant deficiencies in internal controls, leading to incomplete and inaccurate tenant files.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with HUD requirements could affect the amount of rental assistance provided to tenants.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Train staff on procedures, correct identified deficiencies, and assess the impact on all tenant files.

Finding Text

2022-001 Eligibility U.S. Department of HUD - Public and Indian Housing AL 14.850 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls Condition: Out of a total applicant population of approximately 420 tenants, 40 applicants were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: ? 1 file had a late annual recertification ? 2 files had missing or incorrect 214 declaration documents, ? 1 file was missing permanent historical documents, ? 1 file was missing a signed flat rent option sheet, ? 2 files were had missing or unsigned 9886 release of information form, and ? 1 file had incorrectly calculated tenant income.Context: The auditor randomly selected 40 tenant files out of the population, which is considered to be a statistically valid sample. The auditor reviewed the tenant files and support to ensure that proper procedure are being followed and that the Authority is in compliance with HUD requirements regarding timely, complete, and accurate tenant files. Criteria: The Authority?s ACOP and 24 CFR 960.259 requires internal controls to be in place to ensure proper procedures are being followed in compliance with HUD requirements regarding complete and accurate tenant files. Effect: The Authority is not in full compliance with HUD requirements regarding eligibility which could result in the incorrect amount of rental assistance provided. Cause: The Authority experienced staffing turnover and did not have the available staff to fully implement the established internal controls to ensure proper compliance with regards to timely recertifications and collection of required HUD documentation to complete a tenants file. Auditor Recommendations: The Authority should continue to train staff on the established procedures and controls in place to ensure full compliance in regards to eligibility. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies noted in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor?s sample. Management Response: See the Corrective Action Plan in this report.

Corrective Action Plan

November 23, 2022 U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Public Housing 400 West Bay Street, Suite 1015 Jacksonville, FL 32202 The Palatka Housing Authority respectfully submits the following corrective action plan for the year ended March 31, 2022. Berman Hopkins Wright & LaHam, CPAs and Associates, LLP 8035 Spyglass Hill Road Melbourne, Fl 32940 Audit period: April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022 Findings - Federal Award Programs Audit 2022-001 Eligibility U.S Department of HUD - Public and Indian housing AL 14.850 Significant Deficiencies in Internal Controls Condition: Out of a total applicant population of approximately 420 tenant, 40 applicants were tested and the following deficiencies were noted: 1. 1 file has a late annual recertification 2. 2 files had missing or incorrect 214 declaration documents, 3. 1 file was missing a permanent historical document, 4. 1 file was missing a signed flat rent option sheet, 5. 2 files had missing or unsigned 9886 release of information forms, and 6. 1 file had incorrectly calculated tenant income. Auditor recommendations: The Authority should continue to train staff on the established procedures and controls in places to ensure fill compliance in regards to eligibility. The Authority needs to correct the deficiencies notes in the tested files and consider the impact to the rest of the population of tenant files that were not selected as part of the auditor's sample. Action Taken by PHA per deficiency: 1. Household transferred to different affordable housing unit and the new move-in date was assumed instead of maintaining the original move-in date. As a result, the recertification occurred within 14 calendar months instead of 12. The PHA will ensure that future transfers maintain their original recertification date. 2. In two instances, the HOH executed her name where the minor childrens's' names should have been written. The forms have been corrected to reflect the names of the minors and the HOH signed each form correctly. The corrected forms have been added to the tenant's file. 3. The PHA is working with the elderly resident in obtaining a copy of their birth certificate. We are also researching historical records in search of the document. The resident has resided in our affordable housing program for more than thirty years. 4. The flat rent option form has been presented to the HOH, executed, and placed in the tenant's file. 5. The release forms for the 2 resident files have been properly excited and placed in the resident's file. 6. Resident submitted VA Benefit documentation dated, December 9, 2021. The document listed benefits in the amount of $1,357.56; however, the resident recorded VA benefits as $1,437.66 within the recertification packet under total household income. The written figure was utilized for the rent calculation. Should the Department of Housing and Urban Development have any questions regarding this plan, please contract my office Sincerely Dr. Anthony E. Woods President/CEO

Categories

Eligibility HUD Housing Programs Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 597593 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $2.32M
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $1.87M
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $590,103
14.879 Mainstream Vouchers $82,514
14.870 Resident Opportunity and Supportive Services - Service Coordinators $6,139