Finding 384054 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-03-25
Audit: 297137
Organization: Berkeley Housing Authority (CA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Tenant files for the Moving to Work Program were missing required documents, leading to non-compliance with eligibility verification.
  • Impacted Requirements: The PHA must maintain complete tenant files, including necessary income verification documents as per federal regulations.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement stronger internal controls to ensure all tenant documentation is complete and available for audits.

Finding Text

Finding 2023-001 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Titles: Moving to Work Demonstration Program Federal Catalog Numbers: 14.881 Noncompliance – E. Eligibility - Tenant Files Non Compliance Material to the Financial Statements: No Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance for Eligibility Criteria: Tenant Files. The PHA must do the following: As a condition of admission or continued occupancy, require the tenant and other family members to provide necessary information, documentation, and releases for the PHA to verify income eligibility (24 CFR sections 5.230, 5.609, and 982.516). These files are required to be maintained and available for examination at the time of audit. Condition: Based upon inspection of the Authority’s files and on discussion with management, there were documents that were unavailable for examination at the time of audit. Context: Of a sample size of twenty-eight (28) tenant files, the following information was unavailable for examination at the time of audit:  HUD-50058 form was missing in one (1) file  Verification of income and assets was missing in one (1) file Our sample size is statistically valid. Known Questioned Costs: $448 Cause: There is a significant deficiency in internal controls over the compliance for the eligibility type of compliance related to the maintenance of tenant files. The Authority has not maintained and monitored a system of internal controls that reasonably assures the program is in compliance. Effect: The Moving to Work Demonstration Program is in non-compliance with the eligibility type of compliance related to the maintenance of tenant files. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority design and implement internal control procedures that will reasonably assure compliance with the Uniform Guidance and the compliance supplement. Authority Response: The Authority accepts the recommendation of the auditor. The Authority will increase oversight in the Moving to Work Demonstration Program to ensure that established internal control policies are being followed on a timely basis.

Corrective Action Plan

Views of responsible officials and planned corrective action: The Authority accepts the recommendation of the auditor. The Authority will increase oversight in the Moving to Work Demonstration Program to ensure that established internal control policies are being followed on a timely basis. James Williams, Executive Director, will be responsible to implement this corrective action by June 30, 2024.

Categories

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

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 960496 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.881 Moving to Work Demonstration Program $33.44M
14.879 Mainstream Vouchers $2.90M
14.249 Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy $943,022