Finding 504139 (2022-003)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
L
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2024-10-30
Audit: 326566
Organization: Town of Plainville (MA)
Auditor: Marcum LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Town failed to submit required Federal Financial and Performance reports on time, indicating a significant internal control deficiency.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with reporting guidelines under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is at risk, which could lead to withholding of funds.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The Town needs to strengthen internal controls to ensure timely submission of reports and compliance with grant requirements.

Finding Text

2022-003 Improve Compliance with and Controls Over Reporting Federal Program(s) Information Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cluster/Program: Assistance to Firefighters Grant AL Number(s): 97.044 Award Year: 2022 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Type of Finding Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Significant Deficiency Criteria or Specific Requirement Grantees are required to file semi-annual Federal Financial Reports to report expenditures under Federal Awards and cash status. Grantees are also required to file Performance reports at least annually highlighting key grant information and use of funds. Condition and Context A sample of reports required to be submitted were selected for testing of compliance. Each report selected was not submitted to the appropriate party in a timely manner. Cause Weakness in the design and operation of internal controls. Effect or Potential Effect Due to the weaknesses in internal controls noted above, the Town is not in compliance with grant requirements, and there is risk that funds may be withheld for the Town’s currently active grants as a result. No questioned costs are reported, as they are not quantifiable. Recommendation The Town should address the weaknesses in internal controls noted above in order to comply with reporting guidelines. Views of Responsible Official Management agrees with the finding. Planned Corrective Action Management’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report after the Schedule of Prior Year Findings.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding 2022-003 “Improve Compliance with and Controls Over Reporting” Correction Action to be taken: We have been updating and developing written policies and procedures related to Federal awards as required under Uniform Guidance. Once approved, these procedures will guide applicants in ensuring proper reporting guidelines are followed. Expected Completion Date: We anticipate that the policies and procedures will be completed and approved by June 30, 2025. Contact Person: Julie Hebert, Finance Director

Categories

Reporting Significant Deficiency

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $406,831
97.044 Assistance to Firefighters Grant $266,667
21.019 Coronavirus Relief Fund $97,077
10.553 School Breakfast Program $62,540
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $57,788
84.173 Special Education Preschool Grants $46,862
10.555 National School Lunch Program $39,633
16.710 Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants $19,231
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $12,322
84.367 Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (formerly Improving Teacher Quality State Grants) $9,835
84.027 Special Education Grants to States $3,973
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $2,552
16.607 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program $1,550