Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in 18 Counties
Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in 18 Counties
HARRISBURG (Oct. 10, 2018) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations in Allegheny, Berks, Chester, Clarion, Dauphin, Delaware, Greene, Huntingdon, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lycoming, Montgomery, Northampton, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
“Volunteer Firefighter Relief Associations are essential in helping our communities receive life-saving equipment, critical training and insurance for thousands of volunteer firefighters and emergency service providers,” DePasquale said.
The Department of the Auditor General examines 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 2017, 2,521 municipalities received $60.6 million in fire relief association funding 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.
Allegheny 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 three findings: failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster, failure to maintain a complete and accurate membership roster and undocumented loan.
The VFRA made a $6,300 loan to the affiliated fire company without a formal, written loan agreement.
Marshall Township VFRA – No findings
Berks County
Spring VFRA – No findings
Chester County
North Coventry Township VFRA – No findings
Clarion 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: unauthorized expenditure.
The VFRA spent $7,380 for the fire company commercial insurance policy premiums, which is not a qualified expense. As a result of the audit, the fire company reimbursed the VFRA $7,380.
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 signatory authority for the disbursement of funds.
Several checks had the signature of one officer. Two signatures are required.
Delaware County
Brookhaven VFRA – No findings
Greene County
Waynesburg and Franklin Township VFRA – No findings
Huntingdon County
Mapleton VFRA – No findings
Lackawanna 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: failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster.
Lancaster County
Bainbridge VFRA – No findings
Lycoming 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: noncompliance with prior audit recommendations for failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster.
Montgomery County
Cheltenham VFRA – No findings
Northampton County
Safety First VFRA – No findings
Wind Gap VFRA – No findings
Northumberland County
Milton VFRA – No findings
Warrior Run Area VFRA – No findings
Potter County
Roulette Chemical Engine 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: unauthorized expenditures and untimely deposit of state aid.
The VFRA spent $14,104 on fire company insurance, which is not permitted. As a result of the audit, the affiliated fire company reimbursed the VFRA $14,104.
Snyder County
McClure Borough VFRA – No findings
Washington County
Stockdale VFRA – No findings
Westmoreland County
Lower Burrell Fire Co. No. 3 VFRA – No findings
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