Finding 484767 (2023-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-08-22
Audit: 317693
Organization: Hale County, Texas (TX)
Auditor: Eide Bailly LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The County failed to have a separate review and approval process for reports submitted to the Department of Treasury.
  • Impacted Requirements: This violates 2 CFR 200.303(a), which mandates effective internal controls over federal awards.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a control process for secondary review and approval of reports before submission.

Finding Text

Finding 2023-002: U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Financial Assistance Listing 21.027 COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Compliance Requirement: Reporting Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and conditions of the federal award. Condition: The County’s reports submitted to the Department of Treasury were not reviewed and approved by a separate individual outside of the preparer. Cause: The County did not have an internal control process in place to ensure a secondary review and approval of the reports submitted to the Department of Treasury were performed by someone other than the preparer of the report. Effect: Without a secondary review and approval, there is a possibility that the report may not be accurately completed. Questioned Costs: None. Context / Sampling: For the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, only one annual report was required to be filed. We tested the one annual report filed. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend the County implement a control process which includes a secondary review and approval of the required reports to be submitted to the federal agency. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the noted finding. Refer to Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding 2023-002 Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of the Treasury Program Name: COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Finding Summary: The County’s annual performance report submitted to the Department of Treasury was not reviewed and approved by a separate individual outside of the preparer. Responsible Individuals: Melinda Silvas, County Auditor Corrective Action Plan: Hale County will continue to have the County Auditor prepare the performance reports, with a mechanical review of the report performed by an individual within the Auditor’s Office. Anticipated Completion Date: July 2024

Categories

Reporting Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 484768 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1061209 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1061210 2023-003
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $898,572