Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in 11 Counties
Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in 11 Counties
HARRISBURG (April 9, 2019) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations in Adams, Allegheny, Cambria, Columbia, Fayette, Greene, Huntingdon, Schuylkill, Union, Warren and Wayne counties.
“My oversight of volunteer firefighters’ relief associations helps emergency-services volunteers protect our citizens and communities,” DePasquale said. “I want to make sure state funding is used efficiently and effectively to help purchase life-saving equipment, training and insurance for thousands of first-responders.”
The Department of the Auditor General audits volunteer firefighters’ relief associations, which receive state aid from a 2 percent state tax on fire insurance premiums purchased by Pennsylvania residents from out-of-state casualty insurance companies.
In 2018, 2,518 municipalities received $55.1 million in state aid for distribution to local volunteer firefighters’ relief associations to provide training, purchase equipment and insurance, and pay for death benefits for volunteer firefighters.
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.
Adams County
Gettysburg Fire Department 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 three findings: failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster, inadequate investment records, and inadequate authority for the investment of funds.
The approval of only one relief association officer was used to make investment transactions although the approval of at least two officers is required.
Allegheny County
Frazer Township Fire Department No. 2 VFRA – No findings
Cambria County
Conemaugh Independence VFRA – No findings
Columbia County
Catawissa VFRA – No findings
Fayette County
Hiller VFRA – No findings
Greene County
Jefferson VFRA – No findings
Huntingdon County
Trough Creek Valley VFRA – No findings
Schuylkill 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 two findings: failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster and inadequate relief association bylaws.
Union County
Union Township VFRA – No findings
Warren County
Cherry Grove VFRA – No findings
Wayne 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: insufficient bond coverage.
# # #
Return to search results