Finding 523465 (2024-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-02-17
Audit: 342720
Organization: Mississippi Home Corporation (MS)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Corporation failed to conduct timely housing quality inspections due to a vacant position, leading to delinquent inspections for 14 out of 25 properties.
  • Impacted Requirements: This situation violates Housing Quality Standards as outlined in 24 CFR Sections 92.209(i), 92.251(f), and 92.504(d).
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a tracking system for inspections and create a contingency plan to ensure inspections are completed during staff vacancies.

Finding Text

HOME Investment Partnership Program Assistance Listing Number 14.239 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions -Housing Quality Standards, 24 CFR Sections 92.209(i)), 92.251(f), and 92.504(d) Condition – The spreadsheet used by the Corporation for tracking of the status of housing quality inspections was not followed, and he position responsible for performing the inspections became vacant during the year which caused certain property inspections to become delinquent. Questioned Costs – N/A Context – Housing quality inspections of 14 of 25 properties were delinquent at June 30, 2024. We did not sample the population as 100% of the population was analyzed. Effect – Housing quality property standards may be unmet, and the situation could go undetected by the Corporation. Prior Year Auditing Finding – N/A Cause – The position responsible for the Corporation was vacant during the year, and no other personnel in the department completed the required housing quality inspections. Recommendation – We recommend the Corporation utilized a tracking system to ensure properties are subject to housing quality inspections within their required timeframe. Further, we recommend the Corporation develop a contingency plan to ensure the inspections are completed if the position remains vacant.

Corrective Action Plan

2024 –001 Special Tests and Provisions – Housing Quality Standards Program: HOME Investment Partnerships Program Assistance Listing Number 14.239 Name of Contact Person: Lisa Coleman, Senior Vice President of Federal Grants Corrective Action: Due to turnover and the existing labor market, positions within the HOME grant department were unfilled during most of the fiscal year. However, MHC’s Tax Credit Compliance Department has completed physical inspections on 8 HOME properties that also utilized the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program. The Corporation has now filled the positions and implemented a plan to complete the remaining required inspections. In addition, a third-party inspector has been contracted and can be utilized to assist with the backlog of inspections. To improve internal controls for the tracking of physical inspections, the HOME grant department management will prepare monthly progress reports on the status of scheduled inspections for review by the Senior Vice President of Federal Grants. Anticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2025

Categories

Special Tests & Provisions

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 523466 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 523467 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1099907 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1099908 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1099909 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.026 Homeowner Assistance Fund $22.85M
14.275 Housing Trust Fund $3.77M
14.241 Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids $2.38M
21.023 Emergency Rental Assistance Program $1.74M
14.231 Emergency Solutions Grant Program $1.46M
14.169 Housing Counseling Assistance Program $317,135
14.239 Home Investment Partnerships Program $151,844
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $7,000