Auditor General DeFoor Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Associations in Eight Counties
Auditor General DeFoor Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Associations in Eight Counties
HARRISBURG (May 25, 2021) – Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in Allegheny, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Fayette, Luzerne, Montgomery and Northampton counties.
“Relief associations provide vital support to Pennsylvania’s first responders and our audits make sure state aid is used to maximize public safety and protect firefighters,” DeFoor said.
DeFoor also praised the Gallatin-Sunnyside, Windham Township, Bristol, Newell, Hughestown and Jenkintown VFRAs for having no audit findings.
The Department of the Auditor General distributes state aid for 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.
Relief associations are separate legal entities from the fire departments they support. VFRAs must comply with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures in managing the receipt and expenditure of relief association funds or face the potential withholding of future state aid.
Audit reports are available online using the links provided below, or at www.PaAuditor.gov/audit-reports.
Allegheny County
Gallatin-Sunnyside Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association – No findings.
Blair County
Bald Eagle Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association – Three findings. The relief association paid $1,696 in sales tax for equipment purchases instead of obtaining a state sales tax exemption number. The association failed to maintain detailed meeting minutes as required by state law and the association’s bylaws. The association was unable to provide adequate supporting documentation on $1,000 in expenses.
Bradford County
Windham Township Firemen’s Relief Association – No findings.
Bucks County
Bristol Volunteer Fire Company No. 6 Firemen’s Relief Association – No findings.
Fayette County
Newell Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association – No findings.
Luzerne County
Hughestown Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Association – No findings.
Montgomery County
Fireman’s Relief Association of Jenkintown – No findings.
Northampton County
Bangor Borough Firefighters Relief Association of Bangor – Noncompliance with previous audit recommendation on failure to conduct annual physical equipment inventories.
Learn more about the Department of the Auditor General online at www.PaAuditor.gov.
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