Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in 21 Counties
Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in 21 Counties
HARRISBURG (Feb. 13, 2019) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations in Adams, Beaver, Bucks, Clearfield, Elk, Erie, Huntingdon, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Somerset, Union, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York counties.
“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 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
United Hook and Ladder Company No. 33 – No findings
Beaver 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: undocumented expenditure and inadequate signatory authority for the disbursement of funds.
The VFRA was unable to provide adequate documentation for a $1,200 expenditure to Bucks County.
Bucks County
Croydon VFRA – No findings
Clearfield 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 recommendation for failure to maintain bond coverage.
As a result of the audit, the VFRA obtained adequate bond coverage.
Elk County
Ridgway VFRA – No findings
Erie 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 recommendation for failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster.
Huntingdon County
Warriors Mark-Franklin VFRA – No findings
Luzerne 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.
The VFRA had $50,000 in bond coverage, but $56,430 in cash assets.
Lycoming County
Eldred Township VFRA – No findings
Mercer County
Transfer VFRA – No findings
Mifflin County
Big Valley Ambulance Club Relief Fund – No findings
New Lancaster Valley VFRA – No findings
Montour County
Mahoning Township VFRA – No findings
Northumberland County
Stonington VFRA – No findings
Schuylkill County
Good Will Hose Company VFRA – No findings
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 recommendation for failure to maintain a Pennsylvania Sales Tax Exemption Number.
The VFRA’s sales tax exemption number expired on Aug. 31, 2010.
Somerset County
Krings VFRA – No findings
Union 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: undocumented expenditure and untimely receipt of state aid.
The VFRA was unable to provide adequate documentation for a $1,434 expenditure to a relief association member. The VFRA deposited $1,293 in state aid from Hartleton Borough after the 60-day of receipt deadline.
Washington County
Charleroi VFRA – No findings
Wayne County
Waymart VFRA – No findings
Westmoreland County
Hannastown VFRA – No findings
Youngwood Hose Co. No. 1 VFRA – No findings
Wyoming 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 of state aid.
The VFRA did not deposit $2,224 in state aid from Auburn Township within the 60-day of receipt deadline.
Noxen VFRA – No findings
York County
West Manchester Township VFRA – No findings
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