Weslaco PHA Paid Excessive Travel Costs

HUD’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) audited the Weslaco Housing Authority in Weslaco, Texas, after noting issues in the PHA’s travel while reviewing its independent public accountant’s audited financial statements. Auditors found that the PHA paid its commissioners and employees for ineligible, unreasonable, unnecessary, and unsupported travel costs. This condition occurred because the PHA lacked controls and oversight, its staff was intimidated and did not question travelers’ costs, and travelers did not understand or disregarded the requirements.