On Wednesday the Housing Authority of Travis County submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development its response to an Aug. 17 report in which federal auditors found that the housing authority could not fully account for millions of federal dollars and that its books and records were not auditable.

In its response, the housing authority contends that improvements to accounting practices have resulted in better financial accountability and auditable records. In addition, the housing authority said it has contracted with certified public accountants to review program receivables and payables, and the authority's board of commissioners has directed staff to operate within budget and will use an independent consulting firm to assess the authority's existing operating structure, accounting methods and management.

The housing authority will also research and find documentation to support its spending and repay any expenses found to be ineligible, according to the response.