East Bridgewater Housing Authority

This is a state audit report about the East Bridgewater Housing Authority, which runs public housing under Massachusetts law.

“The East Bridgewater Housing Authority is authorized by and operates under the provisions of Chapter 121B of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended.”

The State Auditor reviewed the housing authority to see whether it followed the rules and had proper controls over key operations.

“The objectives of our audit were to determine the Authority’s compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to review and analyze its management controls and practices over the following areas and functions for the purpose of determining their adequacy: (1) tenant selection; (2) preparation and reoccupation of vacant units; (3) rent determinations; (4) collectability of accounts receivable; (5) site inspections; (6) payroll, travel, and fringe benefits; (7) disbursements; (8) inventory controls over property and equipment; (9) contract procurement; (10) cash management and investment practices; (11) Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)-approved budgets versus actual expenditures; (12) level of need for operating subsidies and operating reserves; and (13) the administration of modernization funds to determine, among other things, the existence of any excess funds.”

Public housing audits matter because they help check whether taxpayer-supported housing is being run safely, legally, and responsibly.

“The goal of good property maintenance at a public housing authority is to serve the residents by assuring that the homes in which they live are decent, safe, and sanitary.”

If you live in or rely on local public housing, the report says the authority was properly handling the areas the auditors tested.

“Based on our review, we have concluded that, during the period July 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010, the Authority maintained adequate management controls and complied with applicable laws, rules, and regulations for the areas tested.”

The auditors found that the East Bridgewater Housing Authority had fixed the problems raised in the previous audit.

“Our current audit revealed that the Authority has adequately resolved these prior issues, as discussed below.”

The report does not list new required corrective actions; it says prior problems were resolved, including continued work to fill two congregate units.

“Our current audit determined that six out of the eight congregate units are now occupied and that the Authority is continuing to work with Community Partners of Raynham, Massachusetts to fill the two unoccupied units, which are being temporarily utilized by Personal Care Attendants.”

This was a clean follow-up audit: earlier concerns about maintenance approval, modernization funding, and vacancies had been addressed.

“Our prior audit (No. 2008-0645-3A) of the East Bridgewater Housing Authority indicated that the Authority had not fully resolved issues involving: (a) lack of board approval for its property maintenance plan, (b) unfunded modernization initiatives, and (c) congregate unit vacancies.”

A congregate unit is housing for elderly people or people with disabilities where residents have private living space but share some common areas.

“A congregate unit, which is intended for use by elderly persons or persons with disabilities, contains a shared kitchen and dining area and a private living area for each individual that includes a living room, bedroom, and bathroom.”