Auditor General DeFoor Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Associations in Nine Counties
Auditor General DeFoor Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Associations in Nine Counties
HARRISBURG (Feb. 2, 2021) – Auditor General Timothy DeFoor today announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in Beaver, Chester, Crawford, Montgomery, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Snyder, Washington, and Wayne counties.
“Thousands of volunteer firefighters benefit from the state aid delivered through relief associations,” DeFoor said. “My audits make sure they have the life-saving equipment, critical training and insurance they need to keep Pennsylvanians safe.”
The Department of the Auditor General distributes state aid to VFRAs and audits how they use the funds, which are generated by a 2 percent tax on fire insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania by out-of-state companies.
In 2020, $60.25 million went to 2,518 municipalities for distribution to VFRAs to provide training, purchase equipment and insurance, and pay for death benefits for volunteer firefighters.
VFRAs must comply with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures in managing the receipt and expenditure of relief association funds. Audit reports are available online using the links provided below, or at: www.PaAuditor.gov/audit-reports.
Beaver County
White Township VFRA – No findings.
Chester County
Ridge Fireman’s VFRA – No findings.
Crawford County
Randolph Township VFRA – No findings.
Montgomery County
Trappe VFRA – One finding. Failure to monitor and comply with standard operating guidelines and policy manual for gym membership usage.
Schuylkill County
Hegins Township VFRA – Two findings. Failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster and untimely receipt and deposit of state aid in the amount of $1,850.
Mt. Pleasant VFRA – One finding. The VFRA failed to maintain bond coverage for its disbursing officer, which it later corrected.
Snyder County
Hummels Wharf VFRA – No findings.
Susquehanna County
Little Meadow VFRA – No findings.
Washington County
Finleyville VFRA – No findings.
Wayne County
Northern Wayne VFRA – Four findings. Noncompliance with prior audit recommendation to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster. Failure to maintain adequate bond coverage for $48,251 in cash assets. Failure to provide supporting documentation for training vendor expenditures. Failure to maintain minutes of meetings as required by state law and the relief association’s bylaws.
Learn more about the Department of the Auditor General online at www.PaAuditor.gov.
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