City of Ashland

Finding 2022-003: Program: Community Development Block Grant/State?s program and Non-Entitlement Grants in Hawaii Program Assistance Listing Number ? 14.228 Federal Grantor ? U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Pass-Through Agency ? Wisconsin Department of Administration Criteria: As stated within the grant award's scope of work, the City was required to conduct the second Citizen Participation Public Hearing (the ?Hearing?) to report project progress to, and receive input from, the local community regarding the CDBG project by March 31, 2022. Condition/Context: The Hearing was held after the deadline specified in the timetable within the grant agreement's scope of work. The Hearing was required to be held by March 31, 2022. The City chose to hold the Hearing in June, after construction had started. The proper remediation was completed during the current year, as the Hearing was held June 28, 2022, which was prior to the end of the fiscal year. Cause: The City chose to postpone the Hearing until construction had started on the CDBG project. Due to this postponement, they failed to hold the Hearing by the deadline listed in the timetable within the grant agreement's scope of work. Effect: Non-compliance with requirements could impact funding or future funding opportunities with the grantor. Questioned Costs: None noted. Recommendation: The City should implement procedures to ensure there is proper understanding of the City's responsibilities regarding the requirements and due dates for grants that are administered by a third party and a tracking method to ensure these are completed. Views of Responsible Officials: The City is in agreement with the finding.