Auditor General DeFoor Releases Audits of Fire Relief Associations in 11 Counties
Auditor General DeFoor Releases Audits of Fire Relief Associations in 11 Counties
HARRISBURG – Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in 11 counties.
“Our audits help to ensure state aid funds are used in accordance with the law to help volunteer firefighters protect property and save lives,” DeFoor said.
DeFoor praised five 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% tax on fire insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania by out-of-state companies.
In 2021, $54 million went to 2,517 municipalities for distribution to VFRAs to provide training, purchase equipment and insurance, and pay for death benefits for volunteer firefighters.
VFRAs risk having future state aid withheld if they do not comply with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures.
Relief associations are separate legal entities from the fire departments they support.
Audit reports are available online using the links provided below, or at www.PaAuditor.gov/audit-reports.
Allegheny County
Allegheny Valley Volunteer Fire Company Relief Association of Harmar and Springdale Townships – No findings.
Beaver County
Industry Borough Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association – Two findings: Failure to adhere to association bylaws by not filling the position of treasurer. Failure to obtain its own state sales tax exemption number instead of using the affiliated fire company’s number.
Cambria County
Adams Township Volunteer Fire Company Dunlo #1 Relief Association – Two findings: Unauthorized expenditures totaling $626 for insurance premiums. Inappropriate pre-signing of two blank checks.
Chester County
Volunteer Firefighter’s Relief Association of North Coventry Township – Five findings: Undocumented expenses totaling $4,646. Inadequate minutes of meetings. Failure to deposit insurance claim proceeds. Failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster. Inadequate internal controls.
Clearfield County
Lawrence Township Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association – Finding: Noncompliance with prior audit finding involving insufficient bond coverage.
Westover Area Volunteer Company Relief Association – No findings.
Clearfield Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association – No findings.
Clarion County
Clarion Firemen’s Relief Association – Two findings: Noncompliance with prior audit recommendation involving an unauthorized expenditure of $7,380 for insurance premiums. Duplicate donation payment of $2,000 to the affiliated fire company.
Elk County
Ridgway Firemen’s Relief Association – Finding: Insufficient bond coverage.
Huntingdon County
Petersburg Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association – No findings.
Juniata County
Lack-Tuscarora EMS Fireman’s Relief Association – Three findings: Noncompliance with prior audit recommendation – the association may not comply with requirements of the VFRA law because it is not affiliated with a fire company. Noncompliance with prior audit recommendation involving unauthorized expenditure. Insufficient bond coverage.
Monroe County
Phoenix Fireman’s Relief Association of Stroudsburg – No findings.
York County
Dallastown Volunteer Firefighters Relief Association – Two findings: Failure to maintain minutes of meetings. Unauthorized expenditure of $299 for a fire company bond premium.
Review other recent audits and learn more about the Department of the Auditor General online at www.PaAuditor.gov.
# # #
Return to search results