In a recent meeting of the Audit and Accountability Committee in San Antonio, a troubling audit report revealed significant compliance issues within the city's housing projects. The audit, covering a two-year period from October 2022 to August 2024, highlighted that over $7 million from the City of San Antonio's general funds had been allocated to these initiatives. Alarmingly, 93% of the 29 projects reviewed were found to be out of compliance with the policies set by the Neighborhood Housing Services Department (NHSD).

The audit also uncovered issues related to change orders, which are adjustments made to project contracts. Out of 14 projects that had change orders, nine were flagged for not receiving prior approval from NHSD administration. This lack of oversight led to several projects exceeding their budget limits, raising concerns about financial management and accountability.

Committee members discussed the implications of these findings, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established protocols to ensure taxpayer money is used effectively. The conversation turned to the processes involved in managing change orders, particularly the timing of approvals and the necessary legal adjustments, such as liens on properties.

To address these challenges, the NHSD plans to implement a new system that sets an upper limit on contracts. This change aims to streamline the approval process for minor adjustments, allowing for quicker responses without the need for extensive legal revisions each time a change order is required. The committee expressed hope that these measures would enhance compliance and improve the overall management of city housing projects.

As San Antonio moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and transparency in its housing initiatives, with the recent audit serving as a critical reminder of the need for rigorous oversight in public spending.