An audit released today by Houston City Controller Annise Parker confirms that a contractor in the City’s 2003-2004 After School Achievement Program (ASAP) consistently failed to meet daily attendance and programming requirements and repeatedly sought reimbursement for questionable expenses.

Phoenix Outreach Youth Center received $20 thousand in grant funding to provide after school programming during the 2003-2004 school year. The contract required minimum average daily attendance of 50 participants with programming in four specific areas: academic enhancement, personal skills development, enrichment and community involvement. According to the Controller’s Office audit, Phoenix did not meet the attendance requirement during any of the months it was providing services in 2003-2004 nor did it provide programming in all four of the specified areas. Phoenix was also cited for submitting reimbursement requests for unsupported expenses. Between January and May of 2004, more than $6 thousand, or 30.5% of the $20 thousand grant, was denied due to inadequate documentation.

Controller Parker believes Phoenix should have to repay the more than $12 thousand it did receive. “It is obvious from our audit that Phoenix did not comply with any of the terms of its contract with the city,” said Ms. Parker. “Therefore, the organization should not be entitled to any funding at all.” Parker also recommended penalties for contractors who don’t comply in the future.

In its official response to the audit, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, which oversees the after school program, indicates that all of the audit findings have been addressed through implementation of new program guidelines. Phoenix Outreach is not a recipient of ASAP funds for the current school year.

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