Finding 501981 (2023-003)

Material Weakness
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2023
Accepted
2024-10-08

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Authority failed to maintain complete tenant files, leading to material non-compliance with eligibility requirements for the Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program.
  • Impacted Requirements: Tenant files must include necessary documentation to verify income eligibility as per federal regulations (24 CFR sections 5.230, 5.609, and 982.516).
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement robust internal control procedures to ensure compliance with eligibility documentation and maintain proper tenant file management.

Finding Text

Federal Program Titles: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Program Federal Catalog Numbers: 14.871 and 14.879 Noncompliance – E. Eligibility - Tenant Files Non Compliance Material to the Financial Statements: Yes Material Weakness 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 member 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 seven (27) tenant files, the Authority could not provide verification of income for (2) tenants. Our sample size is statistically valid. Known Questioned Costs: $20,616 Cause: There is a material weakness in internal controls over the compliance for the eligibility type of compliance related to the maintenance of tenant files. The Authority has not properly considered, designed, implemented, maintained and monitored a system of internal controls that assures the program is in compliance. Effect: The Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers program is in material non-compliance with the eligibility type of compliance related to maintenance of tenant files. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority design and implement internal control procedures that will assure compliance with the Uniform Guidance and the compliance supplement.

Corrective Action Plan

Authority Response and Planned Corrective Action: The Authority agrees with the finding and will increase oversight related to the maintenance of tenant files to better monitor adequacy with compliance requirements. Donald Paredez, Executive Director, is responsible for implementing this corrective action by December 31, 2024.

Categories

Questioned Costs HUD Housing Programs Eligibility Material Weakness Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 501980 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 501982 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501983 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 501984 2023-005
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1078422 2023-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1078423 2023-003
    Material Weakness
  • 1078424 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1078425 2023-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1078426 2023-005
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $8.89M
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $3.29M
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $2.03M
14.879 Mainstream Vouchers $825,944
14.896 Family Self-Sufficiency Program $74,301