Finding 9479 (2022-001)

Significant Deficiency Repeat Finding
Requirement
P
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2022
Accepted
2024-01-23
Audit: 12997
Organization: County of Stephens (TX)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Uncollateralized deposits were found during the 2022 audit, violating Texas Government Code requirements.
  • Impacted Requirements: Public funds exceed FDIC insurance limits, and pledged securities are insufficient to cover the excess.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: County Treasurer should gain access to all bank balances and ensure pledged securities cover all deposits; monthly reviews of pledge reports are essential.

Finding Text

Criteria: In accordance with Texas Government Code Title 10, Subtitle F, Chapter 2257, a deposit of public funds shall be secured by eligible securities to the extent and in the manner required by Government Code. Condition: During the 2022 audit of cash balances, instances of uncollateralized deposits were discovered as stated in Note 4 of the Notes to Financial Statements. Effect: Public funds are not collateralized due to County funds exceeding FDIC insurance coverage and pledged securities being not sufficient to cover the remaining balance. Cause: County Treasurer does not have access to review bank balances for all funds in the custody of the County. Recommendation: We recommend the County review bank balances and maintain pledged securities sufficient to cover all deposits of public funds. Views of responsible official and planned corrective actions: The County Treasurer will gain online access to all bank statements via the online banking platform. The County Judge will prepare a memo to present to all departments that deposit cash to notify the County Treasurer when there is a large, unexpected deposit that is to be made. In this case, the County Treasurer or her assistant, if she is not available, will notify the bank of the large deposit in order to ensure that all funds are covered by pledged securities. In addition to the controls being put in place, the Bank has agreed to start sending monthly pledge reports to the County Treasurer to ensure that pledges are maintained in order to cover bank balances. The County Treasurer will review these reports monthly to ensure compliance.

Corrective Action Plan

The County Treasurer will gain online access to all bank statements via the online banking platform. The County Judge will prepare a memo to present to all departments that deposit cash to notify the County Treasurer when there is a large, unexpected deposit that is to be made. In this case, the County Treasurer or her assistant, if she is not available, will notify the bank of the large deposit in order to ensure that all funds are covered by pledged securities. In addition to the controls put in place, the Bank has agreed to start sending monthly pledge reports to the County Treasurer to ensure that pledges are maintained in order to cover bank balances. The County Treasurer will review these reports monthly to ensure compliance.

Categories

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Other Findings in this Audit

  • 585921 2022-001
    Significant Deficiency Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $923,344