Issue Date
November 5, 2004
Audit Case Number
2005-FW-1001
TO: Paul Webster
Director, Financial Management Division, DGBF
Gregory Hamilton
Director, Community Planning and Development, 6HD
FROM: D. Michael Beard
Regional Inspector General, 6AGA
SUBJECT: Audit of the City of New Orleans
Section 108 Program
Louisiana ArtWorks
New Orleans, Louisiana
INTRODUCTION
As part of our audit of the City of New Orleans, we audited the City of New Orleans’
(City) Section 108 loan to the Louisiana Artists Guild to construct Louisiana Artworks.
With respect to Louisiana Artworks, our audit objectives were to determine whether
Louisiana ArtWorks will create enough low- and moderate-income jobs to justify the
loan, expended funds for eligible purposes, and adequately documented its expenditures.
In accordance with HUD Handbook 2000.06, REV-3, within 60 days, please furnish this
office, for each recommendation without a management decision, in this report, a status
on: (1) corrective action taken; (2) the proposed corrective action and the date to be
completed; or (3) why action is not considered necessary. Additional status reports are
required at 90 days and 120 days after report issuance for any recommendation without a
management decision. Also, please furnish us copies of any correspondence or directives
issued related to the audit.
We appreciate the assistance of your staff and officials with Louisiana Artworks and the
City in performing our audit. Please call William W. Nixon, Assistant Regional
Inspector General, at (817) 978-9309 if you or your staff has any questions.
SUMMARY
Both the City and the Louisiana Artists Guild stated systems were in place to ensure that
Louisiana Artworks would create sufficient jobs for the $7.1 million Section 108 loan.1
We were persuaded by the responses and would suggest the City monitor Louisiana
Artworks to ensure it creates the promised jobs. While Louisiana Artworks expended the
vast majority of the funds reviewed properly, it overpaid the City’s attorney by $1,659
and could not support an additional $17,723 paid to the attorney. Both the City and
Louisiana Artworks agreed to support or recover the amounts. Further, Louisiana
Artworks needs to strengthen controls over its procurement and administration of
contracts. In one instance, Louisiana Artworks did not have a contract with a financial
analyst and the expenditure appears to be duplicative. Louisiana ArtWorks should repay
the $3,000 that it paid the financial analyst.
BACKGROUND
On September 24, 2001, the Louisiana Artists Guild2 applied to the City for a $7.1
million Section 108 loan. HUD guaranteed the loan on February 6, 2002. The City and
the Louisiana Artists Guild signed the loan agreement in July 2002. The Louisiana
Artists Guild used the loan proceeds to develop and construct the Louisiana ArtWorks
Project. According to the loan agreement, the Louisiana Artists Guild would construct
Louisiana Artworks, an approximately 90,000-squarefoot multiple arts facility to provide
shared and individual studio artist space, retail shops, and office space for the Louisiana
Artists Guild and the Arts Council of New Orleans. In addition to the new construction,
the project incorporated an existing historic structure and the restoration of an early 20th
century commercial building facade. Louisiana Artworks is located at the corner of
Howard Avenue and Carondelet Street in New Orleans, Louisiana.
As of March 31, 2004, the estimated total project costs for Louisiana Artworks was about
$29.4 million. Expenditures as of that date were:
1
We raised the issue of Louisiana Artworks potentially not creating sufficient jobs in a draft report
dated August 24, 2004. Based upon the responses and other evidence, we removed this finding from
the final report.
2
The Arts Council of New Orleans originated the Louisiana ArtWorks concept. It created the Louisiana
Artists Guild to manage the Louisiana ArtWorks Project.
2
Amount
Source of Funds Available Expended
Federal
Section 108 loan $7,100,000 $4,720,478
Institute of Museum and Library $ 173,863 $ 173,863
Services
Total Federal $7,273,863 $4,894,341
State of Louisiana $8,250,000 $4,634,082
Whitney Bank line of credit $2,000,000 $1,000,000
Contributions $11,853,137 $10,726,928
Project totals $29,377,000 $21,255,351
Louisiana ArtWorks’ mission is to encourage the growth of small arts businesses and
low-to-moderate-income artists by providing facilities, public access, and marketing
strategies needed to successfully transition from artist to entrepreneur. According to the
loan application, the project, upon completion, will meet the national objective of
benefiting persons of low- and moderate-income through job creation.3
The Arts Council and Louisiana ArtWorks are both located at Suite 1712, 225 Baronne
Street, in New Orleans, Louisiana. However, it is anticipated that they will move to
Louisiana ArtWorks once completed.
AUDIT SCOPE
To accomplish our objectives, we performed the following audit procedures related to the
City’s Section 108 Loan Program and Louisiana ArtWorks:
• Reviewed applicable HUD, City, and Louisiana ArtWorks regulations and
procedures, specifically as the requirements relate to how HUD processed, approved,
and disapproved Section 108 loan applications and how the City and Louisiana
ArtWorks processed and managed this Section 108 loan;
• Interviewed HUD, City, and Louisiana ArtWorks personnel regarding Section 108
and Louisiana ArtWorks;
• Reviewed the City's and Louisiana ArtWorks’ management reports and other
documents to identify indications of weaknesses;
• Reviewed and evaluated the loan application and attachments and other applicable
documents;
• Reviewed and obtained a log of all draw requisitions for the Section 108 loan project;
3
24 CFR §570.208(a)(4) Job creation is an activity designed to create or retain permanent jobs where at
least 51 percent of the jobs, computed on a full-time equivalent basis, involves the employment of low-
and moderate-income persons.
3
• Reviewed the City’s and Louisiana ArtWorks’ system for collecting and accounting
for Section 108 loan repayments; and
• Reviewed and analyzed the loan status.
We reconciled all draws to the requisition log to confirm amounts, dates, and balances.
To determine whether the City used the funds in accordance with HUD requirements, we
reviewed $2,102,191 (31 percent) of Louisiana ArtWorks’ $6,794,109 in draws as of
April 22, 2004.
We initially selected the first three draws because they included examples of transactions
with all of the contractors. We expanded our sample to include draws 4 through 7 to
obtain a better coverage of the draw universe. We reviewed only 7 of the 14 draws
because the universe was too large to review all transactions and statistical concepts were
not appropriate.4 Additionally, we determined that draws 8 through 14 were primarily
construction costs and were low risk due to our conclusions on other draws and review of
procurements.
Louisiana ArtWorks did not provide any computer-generated data. However, it provided
automated spreadsheets disclosing loan payments and draws. We tested the reliability of
the data and did not note any problems affecting our audit objectives.
We provided a discussion draft on August 24, 2004, and held exit conferences with local
HUD officials, Louisiana ArtWorks, and the City on September 2 and 3, 2004. We
received responses from the Counsel to Louisiana Artists Guild,5 HUD headquarters,6
and the City of New Orleans.7 The responses addressed and resolved many of the issues.
Consequently, we extensively revised the memorandum including removing the resolved
issues. As such, we only incorporated germane comments from the City and Louisiana
ArtWorks in the body of the memorandum.
Our audit generally covered the project development, construction, and operational
activities regarding Section 108 funds during the period of July 2002 through April 2004.
We expanded the scope when deemed necessary. We performed the audit from August
2003 to April 2004. We conducted the audit in accordance with generally accepted
government auditing standards.
4
Since we did not perform a statistical selection, the ineligible and unsupported amounts cannot be
extrapolated.
5
September 14, 2004.
6
September 15, 2004.
7
October 7, 2004.
4
RESULTS
Louisiana ArtWorks Paid $19,382 in Ineligible and Unsupported Costs
Based on a nonstatistical review of seven draws totaling $2,102,191,8 Louisiana
ArtWorks over paid an attorney $1,659 and could not support a $17,723 payment to the
attorney. The attorney overcharged Louisiana Artworks $1,659 and included $17,723 on
an invoice without adequate support. According to Louisiana ArtWorks, the attorney
represented the City in preparing HUD required paperwork for the Section 108 loan.
While the attorney9 was under contract to the City, Louisiana ArtWorks paid the attorney
directly for services rendered. According to the City’s not to exceed $400,000 contract,
attorney fees were limited to $150 per hour for attorney services, $125 per hour for
associate services, and $50 per hour for paralegal services. However, a review of the
attorney’s invoices showed the attorney charged $175 for attorney and associate services.
Further, the attorney charged $60 per hour for paralegal services. As a result, Louisiana
ArtWorks paid excess charges totaling $1,659 between March 31, 2001, and
September 20, 2002. Additionally, Louisiana ArtWorks paid one invoice from the
attorney which included a past due balance of $17,723 without supporting
documentation. Louisiana ArtWorks should repay the $19,382 if it cannot support the
costs.
Louisiana ArtWorks Needs to Strengthen Controls over Contracting
In several instances,10 Louisiana ArtWorks could not document its procurement of Section
108 contractors nor could it provide copies of the contracts with those firms. The City
compounded the procurement problems by imposing geographical restrictions on the use of
contractors and in some instances requiring Louisiana ArtWorks to use specific contractors
including a construction consultant, an attorney, and a financial analyst. Louisiana
ArtWorks and the City should better document its compliance with procurement
requirements.
In one instance, the City attorney recommended and a City director insisted on using a
specific financial analyst even though Louisiana ArtWorks already had a financial analyst
under contract. Contrary to federal regulations,11 the financial analyst recommended by the
City attorney was not under contract with the City or Louisiana ArtWorks. Louisiana
ArtWorks spent $3,000 in Section 108 funds for the financial analyst’s services. Because
neither the City nor Louisiana ArtWorks contracted with the financial analyst and the
8
Between July 31, 2002, and April 22, 2004, Louisiana made 14 draws of Section 108 funds totaling
$6,794,109.
9
The same attorney was used on the Jazzland Theme Park. See Report number 2004-FW-1003, dated
March 15, 2004: Audit of the City of New Orleans Section 108 Loan Program, Jazzland Theme Park,
New Orleans, Louisiana.
10
More than $150,000 prior to grant execution. The City and Louisiana ArtWorks noted the costs were
in the applications and were for eligible activities. HUD indicated it would allow the costs if they were
for eligible activities.
11
24 CFR §85.36.
5
services appear to be duplicative, the costs are ineligible, and Louisiana ArtWorks should
repay the amount.
AUDITEE COMMENTS
Both the City and Louisiana ArtWorks agreed to support or repay the $19,382 paid for
legal fees. Neither the City nor Louisiana ArtWorks specifically addressed the $3,000
paid to the financial analyst or the need for improved management controls.
EVALUATION OF AUDITEE COMMENTS
We appreciate the efforts of the City and Louisiana ArtWorks staffs to resolve the issues
presented and are encouraged by their actions.
RECOMMENDATIONS
We recommend the New Orleans Community Planning and Development Director
require the City to:
1A. Require Louisiana ArtWorks to repay the $1,659 in excess charges for legal fees.
1B. Require Louisiana ArtWorks to repay the $17,723 of unsupported funds paid to the
attorney or provide adequate support.
1C. Establish necessary management controls to ensure compliance with procurement
requirements, including maintaining a contract log, filing system, and procurement
history.
1D. Require Louisiana ArtWorks to repay $3,000 paid to the financial analyst for
duplicative services.
6
INTERNAL CONTROLS
In planning and performing our audit, we obtained an understanding of the internal controls
that were relevant to our audit. Management is responsible for establishing effective
internal controls. Internal controls, in the broadest sense, include the plan of organization,
methods, and procedures adopted by management to ensure that its goals are met. Internal
controls include the processes for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling program
operations. Internal controls include the systems for measuring, reporting, and monitoring
program performance.
We determined the following internal controls were relevant to our audit objectives:
• Adequacy of controls over project operations;
• Management capability;
• Compliance with program requirements and procedures including
procurement requirements;
• Documentation of compliance with program requirements and procedures
including compliance with national objectives;
• Ensuring proper procurement of services;
• Safeguarding assets; and
• Assuring eligibility of expenditures.
A significant weakness exists if internal controls do not give reasonable assurance that
resource use is consistent with laws, regulations, and policies; that resources are safeguarded
against fraud, waste, and abuse; and that reliable data is obtained, maintained, and fairly
disclosed in reports. We believe weaknesses existed in the following areas:
• Ensuring proper procurement of services and
• Eligibility of expenditures.
7
Prior Period Audit
This is our first audit of the City of New Orleans’ Section 108 loan for the Louisiana
ArtWorks Project, New Orleans, Louisiana. However, it is our second audit of a City of
New Orleans Section 108 loan.
In our audit of the Section 108 loan for Jazzland Theme Park,12 we concluded the City
did not comply with Section 108 requirements regarding applicant eligibility, loan
requirement, grant administration, and performance reviews. Further, the City paid
$7,685,703 in ineligible and unsupported expenditures. We cited poor management, lax
oversight, and a failure to follow requirements, as the reasons this occurred. We made 14
recommendations including that the City support or repay the funds, and implement
policies and procedures to ensure compliance with program requirements. HUD and the
City are working to close the 11 recommendations still open.
12
Audit of the City of New Orleans Section 108 Loan Program, Jazzland Theme Park, New Orleans,
Louisiana, Report number 2004-FW-1003, dated March 15, 2004.
8
Schedule of Questioned Costs
Recommendation Ineligible 1 Unsupported 2
1A $1,659
1B $17,723
1D 3,000
Totals $4,659 $17,723
1 Ineligible costs are costs charged to a HUD-financed or HUD-insured program or activity that the
auditor believes are not allowable by law, contract or Federal, State, or local policies or regulations.
2 Unsupported costs are costs charged to a HUD-financed or HUD-insured program or activity and
eligibility cannot be determined at the time of audit. The costs are not supported by adequate
documentation or there is a need for a legal or administrative determination on the eligibility of the
costs. Unsupported costs require a decision by HUD program officials. This decision, in addition to
obtaining supporting documentation, might involve a legal interpretation or clarification of
departmental policies and procedures.
9
City of New Orleans Section 108 Program Louisiana ArtWorks, New Orleans, LA
Published by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General on 2004-11-05.
Below is a raw (and likely hideous) rendition of the original report. (PDF)