Finding Text
2024-005 – Blood Lead Testing
Finding Type. Immaterial Noncompliance; Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance (Special Tests and Provisions).
Federal program(s)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development -
Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program (ALN 14.905); Direct award; All project numbers.
Criteria. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that applicants should request testing of each child under the age of six years who reside in a housing unit under contract to receive lead hazard control work, or document that a child has been tested for blood levels within the six months preceding the lead control work, unless it is documented that the child's parent or legal guardian chooses not to have the child tested.
Condition. During our testing of applicant files, the City did not require blood testing for each child under the age of six who resided in the housing unit for one out of the five files selected for testing. It was also noted that the child's parent or legal guardian did not decline to have the child's blood tested.
Cause. Management does not appear to have sufficient internal control procedures in place to properly implement all of HUD's program requirements.
Effect. As a result of this condition, the City did not follow HUD guidelines to ensure that blood lead testing was performed in accordance with the grant requirements.
Questioned Costs. No costs have been questioned as a result of this finding inasmuch as no unallowable costs were identified.
Recommendation. We recommend that the City implement policies and procedures to ensure that blood lead testing is complete for all applicants with children under the age of six who reside in the housing unit.
View of Responsible Officials. The City acknowledges the issue noted with Blood Lead Testing. The lack of testing occurred prior to current management taking over the program. All blood lead testing under current management is believed to be in compliance with program guidelines. Since January, 2024 the program has only served families with known lead poisoning with children 6 or under.
Responsible Officials. Community Services Director
Estimated Completion Date. June 30, 2025