In accordance with our regional plan to review public housing programs and because of weaknesses identified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Public Housing, we reviewed the City of Brackettville Housing Authority, Brackettville, TX.  Our objective was to determine whether the Authority operated its public housing and related grant programs in accordance with HUD requirements. 

The Authority’s board of commissioners and executive director did not operate the Authority in accordance with HUD’s program requirements.  This condition occurred because neither the board nor the executive director took adequate steps to oversee the Authority’s operations.  In addition, the executive director abused her authority and failed to follow established Authority policies.  As a result, the Authority had excessive past-due tenant accounts receivable totaling $42,531 and paid questioned costs and funds put to better use totaling $31,813.  The Authority properly procured and paid for $215,260 in renovation and repair contracts funded with Capital Fund and Recovery Act grant funds.

We recommend HUD require the Authority to repay $16,097 in ineligible costs, adjust it financial records to correct an additional $1,052 in ineligible costs, provide support for or repay $12,357 in unsupported costs, take steps to ensure $2,307 in computer equipment is put to better use, comply with its rent collection policy, adopt board approved by-laws and travel and fuel charge card policies, and obtain and maintain a copy of its articles of incorporation.  Also, we recommend HUD continue to monitor and provide technical assistance to help ensure the Authority’s programs comply with HUD’s requirements.