Finding 570040 (2021-002)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
C
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2021
Accepted
2025-07-02

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The Authority has a $40,416 deficiency in the Reserve Account, failing to meet cash management requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Noncompliance with the Water and Waste System Grant Agreement regarding fund management.
  • Recommended Follow-up: Strengthen internal controls over cash management to prevent future deficiencies.

Finding Text

Part III - Findings and Questioned Costs Relating to Federal Awards 2021-002 Reserve Account Compliance Cash Management Category Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Noncompliance ALN 10.770 Program Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants (Section 306C) Agency US Department of Agriculture (Rural Development) Criteria Section 4, Protection and Disposition of the Funds of Water and Waste System Grant Agreement (b) Debt Service Account - For borrowers on other than monthly debt service payments, transfers, in proportion to income availability, shall be made from the General Account and set aside in an account designated as the Debt Service Account, in sufficient amount which will accumulate for the next installment on the note. (c) Reserve Account - From the remaining funds in the General Account, after transfers and payments required in (b) and (c), there shall be set aside into an account(s) designated as the Reserve Account(s) the sum of $1,684 each month until the sum of $201,982 is reached. With the prior written approval of the Government, funds may be withdrawn and used for such things as loan installments, emergency maintenance, extensions to facilities and replacement of short-lived assets, subject to conditions established by the Government. Condition The Authority has a deposit deficiency of $40,416 in the Reserve Account. The balance of the debt service reserve as of June 30, 2021, shall be $90,936. Cause Lack of oversight controls to comply with the cash management compliance requirement. Effect The Federal awarding agency could temporarily withhold cash payments pending correction of the deficiency by the Authority. Questioned Costs None Recommendation The Authority needs to strengthen its internal controls over the cash management compliance requirements. Prior year finding This finding is similar to a prior year finding identify as 2020-012 Views of Responsible Official (Unaudited) Refer to Corrective Action Plan

Corrective Action Plan

2021-002 Reserve Account Category: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Noncompliance Condition: The Authority has a deposit deficiency of $40,416 in the Reserve Account. The balance of the debt service reserve as of June 30, 2021, shall be $90,936. Management’s Response: Starting in FY 2024-2025, the Finance Department will initiate the necessary transfers to the Reserve Account to rectify the deposit deficiency. Additionally, we will establish a plan for regular monitoring of the account to prevent future deficiencies. To ensure ongoing compliance and to identify any potential issues early, we will schedule more frequent internal audits. Person in charge: Juan C. Rodriguez Rivera Accounting Official 787-705-7188 Juan.rodriguez@lra.pr.gov Implementation Date: FY 2024-2025

Categories

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Cash Management Significant Deficiency Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 570041 2021-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 570042 2021-004
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1146482 2021-002
    Significant Deficiency Repeat
  • 1146483 2021-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1146484 2021-004
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
12.607 Community Economic Adjustment Assistance for Realignment Or Closure of A Military Installation $787,914
97.036 Disaster Grants - Public Assistance (presidentially Declared Disasters) $66,376