Finding 544418 (2024-001)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
J
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-03-31
Audit: 351106
Organization: City of Oxnard (CA)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The City misclassified part of the program income as deferred revenue, failing to recognize the full amount upon receipt.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with OMB 2 CFR Part 200, which mandates that program income be spent before requesting additional federal funds.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a tracking system for program income, provide staff training, and establish procedures for accurate reporting and compliance by March 25, 2025.

Finding Text

Federal Program Title: Community Development Block Grants/Entitlements Grants Federal Catalog Number: 14.218 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Category of Finding: Program Income Criteria: Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart D, Section 200.307(a), requires that Program income must be expended prior to requesting additional Federal funds. Program income exceeding amounts specified in the Federal award may be added to or deducted from the total allowable costs in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition: During our audit, it was noted that the City recorded part of the program income as deferred revenue rather than recognizing the full amount upon receiving the gross income earned and generated by CDBG loan activity Cause: Lack of appropriate controls over program income. Effect or Potential Effect: Failure to properly report and manage program income could result in noncompliance with federal regulations, potential repayment of misused funds, and could jeopardize future funding opportunities. Furthermore, the mismanagement of program income could lead to inaccurate financial reporting and a lack of accountability in the program's financial operations. Questioned Cost: $152,065 Context: Program income is still in the process of being reconciled for prior and current year. It appears that the current personnel have a misunderstanding regarding the recording and use of program income. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the City to implement a comprehensive program income tracking and reporting system that ensures compliance with federal regulations. The system should include detailed procedures for documenting income generated, ensuring the funds are allocated to the proper grant or project, and reporting the income accurately in accordance with grant terms. Regular training should also be provided to staff responsible for grant management to ensure adherence to federal guidelines and the organization’s internal controls. City's Response: The City is aware of the OMB 2 CFR Part 200 regulations that pertain to program income and will improve its internal controls to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Corrective Action Plan: The City will improve its internal controls by implementing a new policy and procedures that will require staff training and outline detailed procedures for complying with program income regulations. The policy will: (1) require staff to annually participate in HUD trainings related to program income, (2) require staff to immediately deposit and reconcile program income upon receipt, (3) require staff to prepare a monthly program income report and (4) require management to review the program income report to ensure program income is applied to eligible expenses prior to drawing down grant funds. Planned Implementation Date: March 25, 2025 Responsible Person(s): Albert Ramirez, Assistant Director; Denise Ledesma, Grants Coordinator; and Adrianne Sarreal, Analyst.

Corrective Action Plan

The City will improve its internal controls by implementing a new policy and procedures that will require staff training and outline detailed procedures for complying with program income regulations. The policy will: (1) require staff to annually participate in HUD trainings related to program income, (2) require staff to immediately deposit and reconcile program income upon receipt, (3) require staff to prepare a monthly program income report and (4) require management to review the program income report to ensure program income is applied to eligible expenses prior to drawing down grant funds.

Categories

Questioned Costs Program Income Allowable Costs / Cost Principles HUD Housing Programs Reporting Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
20.205 Highway Planning and Construction $4.26M
97.083 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (safer) $1.19M
97.039 Hazard Mitigation Grant $797,808
97.044 Assistance to Firefighters Grant $680,671
66.202 Congressionally Mandated Projects $436,065
14.231 Emergency Solutions Grant Program $425,265
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $391,961
20.608 Minimum Penalties for Repeat Offenders for Driving While Intoxicated $387,163
14.218 Community Development Block Grants/entitlement Grants $223,088
16.738 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program $170,966
66.808 Solid Waste Management Assistance Grants $156,878
20.600 State and Community Highway Safety $154,269
93.045 Special Programs for the Aging, Title Iii, Part C, Nutrition Services $151,977
97.067 Homeland Security Grant Program $150,878
16.922 Equitable Sharing Program $67,080
94.002 Americorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (rsvp) 94.002 $48,968
97.042 Emergency Management Performance Grants $36,393
16.833 National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative $20,985
14.239 Home Investment Partnerships Program $8,392