Finding Text
Finding 2022-001: Water and Wastewater Arrearages Payment Program Criteria The California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program was created to provide relief to water and wastewater systems to cover unpaid bills from customers accrued between March 4, 2020 and June 15, 2021. Condition The District claimed arrearages that were accrued outside of the allowable timeframe. In addition, one out of forty customers selected for testing had a claimed amount that was in excess of the allowable arrearage. Cause Due to turnover in the customer service department, the sewer and water arrearages were not correctly calculated. Effect The District initially claimed arrearages that were not eligible for reimbursement under the program. Upon discovery, the District worked with the State of California to calculate the correct amount and subsequently returned any required funds. However, as a result of testing, we noted an additional amount of $178 that needs to be returned to the State. Recommendation We recommend the District review all arrearages claimed to ensure the program guidelines are met and return any additional funds received that do not meet the program guidelines. Views of Responsible Officials The District worked with the State of California to correct arrearages that were outside the allowable timeframe, and subsequently returned any required funds. As a result of the additional $178 noted by the auditors, the District is continuing to review the remaining arrearages to insure only allowable amounts have been reimbursed by the State.