Harrison County, Texas

Item 2023-001 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, ALN 21.027 Type Significant Deficiency Compliance Requirement Reporting Criteria The U.S. Department of Treasury SLFRF Compliance and Reporting Guidance requires the County prepare quarterly submissions of the Project and Expenditure Report. The 2023 Compliance Supplement identifies multiple Key Line Items in the report, including cumulative expenditures and current period expenditures. Internal control should be established and maintained to provide reasonable assurance that these requirements are complied with by submitting the reports accurately. Condition For the first two quarters of the fiscal year under audit, the Project and Expenditure Report reported cumulative expenditures as program income, and the total obligation was reported as cumulative expenditures before the amounts had actually been spent. Cause The County followed a process for reviewing the reports and understanding program requirements; however, the new and emerging nature of the program and related guidance limited the internal knowledge necessary to identify the errors. Effect Required reports submitted to the Federal Agency contained inaccuracies to identified key elements. Recommendation We recommend that the County expand its review process for key reports to consider if new or emerging funding merits additional staff training or the engagement of outside assistance. Management’s Response We agree with the finding and have initiated discussions to provide training and implement procedures to ensure compliance. The last two quarterly reports prepared and sent to the U.S. Department of Treasury during fiscal year 2023 were corrected.