Finding 517115 (2024-001)

Finding Number: 2024-001 Repeat Finding: No Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency Description: Internal Control over Eligibility Major Program: AL#93.499 - Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program Questioned Costs: None How the questioned costs were computed: N/A Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Award effected: #42700-040-0000103772 Condition: We selected 40 client files for our testing of eligibility. Out of those forty (40) selected, nine (9) applications were not certified within the required timeframes. We also noted that 7 crisis payments were not made timely. Criteria: Regular applications must be accepted, processed, and paid within thirty (30) calendar days from the completion date of the application and crisis applications must be accepted, processed, and paid within ten (10) calendar days from the date of the application. Cause: Staff hadn’t received the necessary training to perform certifications in accordance the set criteria. Staff were including the crisis payment applications with the regular applications and therefore they weren’t being processed timely. Effect: There were delays in providing services to clients. Recommendation: We recommend staff acquire the necessary training to perform certifications in accordance with established guidelines. View of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding and has committed to a corrective action plan.