Implement quality control procedures to ensure that (1) documentation required by HUD is correctly completed and maintained, (2) escrow account disbursements are appropriate and fully supported, (3) escrow account deposits are correctly calculated and recorded, and (4) the contracts of participation contain information that reflects participants’ current income and family rent amounts. The controls should include procedures for the review and approval of contract extensions and escrow account disbursements.
Publication Report
2017-CH-1003 | July 14, 2017
The Housing Authority of the City of Hammond, Hammond, IN, Did Not Always Comply With HUD’s Requirements Regarding the Administration of Its Housing Choice Voucher Program
We audited the Housing Authority of the City of Hammond, IN’s Housing Choice Voucher program based on the activities included in our 2017 annual audit plan and our analysis of risk factors related to the public housing agencies in Region 5’s… moreRelated Recommendations
Public and Indian Housing
- Status2017-CH-1003-001-AOpenClosedClosed on April 27, 2021$25,133.00Questioned Costs
Recommendations with questioned costs identify costs: (A] resulting from an alleged violation of a law, regulation, contract, grant, or other document or agreement governing the use of Federal funds; (B] that are not supported by adequate documentation (also known as an unsupported cost]; or (C] that appear unnecessary or unreasonable.
Reimburse its program $25,133 ($17,174 in housing assistance payments $7,959 in associated administrative fees) from non-Federal funds for the overpayment of housing assistance and utility allowances due to inappropriate calculations.
- Status2017-CH-1003-001-BOpenClosedClosed on October 11, 2017$2,213.00Funds Put to Better Use
Recommendations that funds be put to better use estimate funds that could be used more efficiently. For example, recommendations that funds be put to better use could result in reductions in spending, deobligation of funds, or avoidance of unnecessary spending.
Reimburse the appropriate households $2,213 from program administrative fee reserves for the underpayment of housing assistance due to inappropriate calculations.
Evaluate its administration of the program and take the appropriate actions to ensure that the program is managed effectively.
- Status2017-CH-1003-001-DOpenClosedClosed on July 19, 2018$32,960.00Funds Put to Better Use
Recommendations that funds be put to better use estimate funds that could be used more efficiently. For example, recommendations that funds be put to better use could result in reductions in spending, deobligation of funds, or avoidance of unnecessary spending.
Implement adequate quality control procedures to ensure that it correctly calculates housing assistance payments to ensure that $32,960 in program funds is appropriately used for future payments.
- Status2017-CH-1003-002-AOpenClosedClosed on November 05, 2020$25,231.00Questioned Costs
Recommendations with questioned costs identify costs: (A] resulting from an alleged violation of a law, regulation, contract, grant, or other document or agreement governing the use of Federal funds; (B] that are not supported by adequate documentation (also known as an unsupported cost]; or (C] that appear unnecessary or unreasonable.
Reimburse its program $25,231($15,061 in inappropriate graduation payments $10,170 in inappropriate interim disbursements) from non-Federal funds for the incorrect escrow account disbursements.
- Status2017-CH-1003-002-BOpenClosedClosed on October 11, 2017$296.00Questioned Costs
Recommendations with questioned costs identify costs: (A] resulting from an alleged violation of a law, regulation, contract, grant, or other document or agreement governing the use of Federal funds; (B] that are not supported by adequate documentation (also known as an unsupported cost]; or (C] that appear unnecessary or unreasonable.
Support or reimburse its program $296 from non-Federal funds for the unsupported escrow account disbursements.
- Status2017-CH-1003-002-COpenClosedClosed on October 27, 2017$375.00Funds Put to Better Use
Recommendations that funds be put to better use estimate funds that could be used more efficiently. For example, recommendations that funds be put to better use could result in reductions in spending, deobligation of funds, or avoidance of unnecessary spending.
Reimburse the appropriate households $375 from program funds for the underpaid escrow disbursements.
- Status2017-CH-1003-002-DOpenClosedClosed on August 01, 2018$2,547.00Questioned Costs
Recommendations with questioned costs identify costs: (A] resulting from an alleged violation of a law, regulation, contract, grant, or other document or agreement governing the use of Federal funds; (B] that are not supported by adequate documentation (also known as an unsupported cost]; or (C] that appear unnecessary or unreasonable.
Support its general ledger and bank account balances or transfer $2,547 ($2,334 for the overfunded general ledger account $213 for the overfunded program bank account) from its Family Self-Sufficiency program account to its Housing Choice Voucher program account for the overfunded accounts cited in the finding.
Deposit the Family Self-Sufficiency program escrow funds into an interest-bearing account in accordance with HUD’s requirements.
Ensure that the program coordinator is trained on and familiar with HUD’s regulations.
Evaluate its administration of the program to ensure it has the necessary capacity and resources to effectively manage the program.