Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in 10 Counties
Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in 10 Counties
HARRISBURG (July 29, 2020) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in Allegheny, Berks, Bradford, Butler, Crawford, Dauphin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Schuylkill and Washington counties.
“My audits of relief associations ensure that critical state funds are used properly in helping volunteer firefighters save lives and protect communities,” DePasquale said. “Because many community fundraisers were canceled by the pandemic, please remember to support your local first responders.”
State aid for VFRAs comes from a 2 percent tax on fire insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania by out-of-state companies. In 2019, 2,518 municipalities received nearly $60 million for distribution to VFRAs to provide training, purchase equipment and insurance, and pay for death benefits for volunteer firefighters.
The Department of the Auditor General distributes the state aid and audits VFRAs. The full audit reports for VFRAs with findings are available online using the links provided below; others are available online at: www.PaAuditor.gov/audit-reports.
Allegheny County
West Deer Township Fire Co. No. 1 VFRA
Complied with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures as they relate to the receipt of state aid and the expenditure of relief association funds, except for two findings: failure to obtain Pennsylvania sales tax exemption number and unauthorized expenditures.
The VFRA spent $1,306 for a funeral luncheon, which is not an authorized expense.
Berks County
Birdsboro-Union VFRA – No findings.
Bradford County
Complied with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures as they relate to the receipt of state aid and the expenditure of relief association funds, except for one finding: inadequate signatory authority for the disbursement of funds.
The audit identified issues with checks being signed by only one officer when two signatures are required.
Butler County
East Butler VFRA – No findings.
Crawford County
Conneaut Lake Park VFRA - No findings.
Dauphin County
Complied with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures as they relate to the receipt of state aid and the expenditure of relief association funds, except for one finding: inadequate minutes of meetings.
VFRA officials say they were unaware that they were required to maintain detailed minutes of meetings and will take action to comply.
Jefferson County
Complied with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures as they relate to the receipt of state aid and the expenditure of relief association funds, except for one finding: untimely receipt and deposit of state aid.
Lawrence County
Wampum VFRA – No findings.
Schuylkill County
Butler Township VFRA – No findings.
Tower City Fire Co. No. 1 VFRA – No findings.
Washington County
Complied with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures as they relate to the receipt of state aid and the expenditure of relief association funds, except for one finding: inadequate signatory authority for the disbursement of funds.
The audit identified issues with checks being signed by only one officer when two signatures are required.
# # #
Return to search results