Finding 779 (2023-003)

Material Weakness
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2023
Accepted
2023-10-26

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Incomplete background checks on eligibility checklists may have allowed ineligible tenants to participate in the program.
  • Impacted Requirements: All eligibility criteria must be fully verified before tenant approval.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Provide additional training for staff and conduct regular reviews of tenant files to ensure compliance with eligibility documentation.

Finding Text

Public and Indian Housing AL #14.850 Material Weakness Internal Control Over Compliance Eligibility Checklists 2023-003 Condition: The Commission uses internal control checklists to demonstrate compliance with the various eligibility requirements. During audit fieldwork, we identified two instances in which the checklists were used, but steps related to background checks were not complete. In addition, there was no documentation maintained to prove these checks were performed. Criteria: All eligibility requirements must be verified prior to determining tenant eligibility. Cause: The Commission has experienced turnover in public housing positions. Effect: Tenants may have been allowed to participate in the program without being eligible. Context: We identified 2 instances of incomplete eligibility checklists in our testing of 40 tenants from a population of 575 tenants. The sample was a statistically valid sample. Repeat of Prior Year Finding: No Auditor’s Recommendation: We recommend the Commission provide further training for program staff and implement periodic reviews of tenant files to ensure internal control processes are followed and eligibility documentation is maintained. View of Management: Management agrees with the finding. A response can be found in the Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Public and Indian Housing AL #14.850 Material Weakness Internal Control Over Compliance Eligibility Checklists 2023-003 Condition: The Commission uses internal control checklists to demonstrate compliance with the various eligibility requirements. During audit fieldwork, we identified two instances in which the checklists were used, but steps related to background checks were not complete. In addition, there was no documentation maintained to prove these checks were performed. Criteria: All eligibility requirements must be verified prior to determining tenant eligibility. Repeat of Prior Year Finding: No Auditor’s Recommendation: We recommend the Commission provide further training for program staff and implement periodic reviews of tenant files to ensure internal control processes are followed and eligibility documentation is maintained. Management’s Response: The Commission has provided training for program staff and performs periodic reviews of tenant files to ensure internal control processes are followed and eligibility documentation is maintained. Anticipated Completion Date: Periodic reviews began January 2023. Staff training and periodic reviews are ongoing.

Categories

Eligibility HUD Housing Programs Material Weakness Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 777 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 778 2023-002
    Material Weakness
  • 577219 2023-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 577220 2023-002
    Material Weakness
  • 577221 2023-003
    Material Weakness

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
14.871 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers $9.94M
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund $1.43M
14.850 Public and Indian Housing $1.19M
14.182 Section 8 New Construction and Substantial Rehabilitation $104,173
10.427 Rural Rental Assistance Payments $78,509