Finding 399351 (2023-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-05-31
Audit: 307824
Organization: Regional School Unit No. 55 (ME)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Construction projects over $2,000 failed to meet federal wage rate requirements due to incomplete certified payrolls.
  • Impacted Requirements: Non-compliance with 29 CFR 5.5, which outlines necessary elements for certified payroll.
  • Recommended Follow-up: The Unit should enhance internal controls and ensure staff are trained on federal wage rate requirements.

Finding Text

Significant Deficiency 2023-001 – Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements Federal Program Information: Department of Education: Passed through the State of Maine Department of Education: ALN 84.425 – Education Stabilization Fund Criteria: The following CFRs apply to this finding: 29 CFR 5.5. Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the Unit had construction projects in excess of $2,000 that were not in compliance with the requirements in the above criteria. It was determined that the contractor’s certified payroll did not include all required elements. Cause: The Unit does not have the necessary internal controls over compliance. Effect: The construction projects may not have been performed in compliance with federal Wage Rate Requirements. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: During audit procedures, 4 out of 4 certified payrolls tested did not complete the certified payroll requirement elements properly. This is not a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding: This is not repeat finding. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Unit familiarize themselves with Federal Wage Rate Requirements and implement internal control processes and procedures to ensure that they are following the criteria above. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by Regional School Unit No. 55.

Corrective Action Plan

CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN (Concerning Finding 2023-001) Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Peggy McKenzie, Accounting Office Manager Corrective Action: The District has already started the implementation of corrective action and will take the following actions to address finding 2023-01: 1) The District has already added the certified payroll requirement elements to all wage rate certifications forms for Federally funded projects. It should be known that the District, through consultation with its attorney, thought it had all the required elements in place. Through this audit process, once becoming aware, the District believes now it will be in full compliance. Anticipated Completion Date: Completion as of submission of the 6/30/23 audit

Categories

Special Tests & Provisions Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 975793 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $1.07M
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $575,937
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $414,272
10.553 School Breakfast Program $121,466
84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants $98,452
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $83,069
10.582 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program $52,505
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $46,573
84.173 Special Education_preschool Grants $18,542
10.559 Summer Food Service Program for Children $13,825
10.555 National School Lunch Program $7,505
10.649 Pandemic Ebt Administrative Costs $1,884