SPHA Announces Zero Findings for 2009 Audit

ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is proud to announce that independent external auditors reported zero findings for the agency’s 2009 financial audit. This marks the third consecutive year that an audit of the housing authority has concluded with zero findings.

Conducted by Berman Hopkins Wright & LaHam CPAs and Associates, LLC, the audit reviewed the housing authority’s financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2009. Brian Nemeroff, CPA, reported to the SPHA Board of Commissioners at a recent Finance Committee meeting that SPHA received an unqualified opinion on the financial statements, which is the best audit opinion possible.

Dr. Arnett Smith, chairman of the SPHA Board of Commissioners, said, “The board’s priority is to ensure that the housing authority is operated as transparently and as efficiently as possible. This annual audit of our financial operations continues to prove why SPHA is considered to be a national leader among housing authorities.”

Chief Executive Officer Darrell Irions said, “The results of this audit are a testament to the good work of our staff, especially the staff of the Financial Management and Compliance Center, and the keen financial oversight of the Board of Commissioners. We undergo external audits every year to make sure that we comply with all government standards, and these are the results we strive to achieve to keep our agency a high performer.”

Since 1937, the SPHA has developed and overseen affordable housing programs in the city of St. Petersburg and has consistently achieved “High Performer” status with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

About St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA):

The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is a public body corporate that has a 70+ year history of developing and administering affordable housing programs in the city of St. Petersburg.  Consistently scored as a “High Performer” on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assessments, SPHA provides housing assistance to more than 3,400 families residing in St. Petersburg.  The authority has received national awards and recognition for its innovative programs, including the Economies of Scale program, the Jordan Park HOPE VI redevelopment program, the Section 3 program and the Fraud Recovery program. More information about the authority’s programs and services can be found at www.stpeteha.org.