Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Associations in Eight Counties
Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters' Relief Associations in Eight Counties
HARRISBURG (May 26, 2020) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in Adams, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Fayette, Lehigh, Luzerne and Perry counties.
“My audits of volunteer firefighter relief associations ensure that critical state funds are used properly in helping volunteer firefighters save lives and protect communities,” DePasquale said. “State aid only goes so far, so please support local firefighters when making donations to benefit your community.”
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.
Adams County
Arendtsville VFRA - 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 one finding: failure to define discretionary benefits.
The VFRA paid $2,000 in discretionary benefits, but did not have a policy in place to define the benefits and the criteria for awarding funds.
Butler 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.
Evans City Borough did not relay $8,983 in state aid to the VFRA within 60 days of receipt, as is required. The delayed funds were deposited in January.
Clarion County
New Bethlehem VFRA – No findings.
Fayette 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 expense.
As a result of the audit, the affiliated fire company reimbursed the VFRA $313 for bond coverage insurance.
Lehigh County
Lynnport VFRA – No findings.
Luzerne County
Kunkle VFRA – No findings.
Perry 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.
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