Finding 516967 (2024-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2024-12-27
Audit: 334878
Auditor: Aprio LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Public Housing Authority (PHA) did not follow its tenant selection policy for 2 out of 9 move-ins tested.
  • Impacted Requirements: Written policies for tenant admission, including application processes and waiting list management, were not adhered to.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Provide training for staff on tenant selection policies and enhance oversight of the waiting list process.

Finding Text

Finding 2024-002 Special Tests and Provisions: Public and Indian Housing (CFDA 14.850): Criteria: The PHA must establish and adopt written policies for admission of tenants. The PHA tenant selection policies must include requirements for applications and waiting lists, description of the policies for selection of applicants from the waiting lists, and policies for verification and documentation of information relevant to acceptance or rejections of an applicant (24 CFR sections 960.202 through 960.206). Condition: During the year, 9 of 54 move-ins were selected for testing. Of the 9 move-in's tested it was noted that the tenant selection policy was not followed for 2 of the move-in's selected. Questioned Costs: Not Determinable Cause: Staffing changes and overall turnover at the Authority was the reason for the oversight in the tenant selection plan. Effect: The Authority is not properly following move-in selection policies which could result in improper move-in's based on the established tenant selection policy. Recommendation: The Authority should provide additional training to Public Housing staff to make sure they are fully aware of the tenant selection policy and provide additional oversight to tenants being selected off the wait list. Reporting Views of Responsible Officials: VHA will review the ACOP with the public housing staff, thoroughly review waiting list management. VHA will print the waiting list weekly to identify applicants at the top of the list. VHA will create an excel spreadsheet to correspond with the waiting list to track the progress of applicants and any pertinent notes necessary.

Corrective Action Plan

2. Finding 2024-002: Waiting List - Significant Deficiency a. Audit Finding Description and Root Cause • Description: During testing of Waiting List and Moving List, it was noticed that the Authority did not follow admission policies for two tenants out of our sample of nine. • Recommendation: Provide training to all relevant staff members on the admission policies. Ensure that staff understand the importance of adhering to these policies and the potential consequences of non-compliance. b. Corrective Actions and Implementation • Action: VHA will review the ACOP with the public housing staff reinforcing the requirement to pull applicants from the waiting list in the proper order. VHA will set up necessary steps to ensure compliance is being met. o Responsible Person: Tammy Emerson, Executive Director o Anticipated Completion Date: January 31, 2025. • Steps to Implement: VHA will review the ACOP with the public housing staff, thoroughly review waiting list management. VHA will print the waiting list weekly to identify applicants at the top of the list. VHA will create an excel spreadsheet to correspond with the waiting list to track the progress of applicants and ertinent notes necessary.

Categories

HUD Housing Programs Special Tests & Provisions Reporting

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 516966 2024-001
    Material Weakness
  • 1093408 2024-001
    Material Weakness
  • 1093409 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.850 Public Housing Operating Fund $1.58M
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $1.33M
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $152,804