Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in Nine Counties
Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in Nine Counties
HARRISBURG (April 16, 2019) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations in Allegheny, Berks, Centre, Franklin, Mercer, Schuylkill, Union, Venango and Wayne counties.
“Volunteer firefighter relief associations are essential in helping fire and rescue crews perform their dedicated, often heroic, duties. We are forever grateful,” 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 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 one finding: insufficient bond coverage.
As a result of the audit, the VFRA increased its bond coverage to $300,000.
Edgewood VFRA – No findings
Greenock VFRA – No findings
Springdale VFRA – No findings
Berks County
Hamburg VFRA – No findings
Center County
Centre Hall VFRA – No findings
Franklin County
Chambersburg VFRA – No findings
Mercer County
Clark VFRA – No findings
Schuylkill County
Girardville 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 three findings: failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster, untimely deposit of state aid, and failure to comply with the terms of an unsecured loan.
The VFRA made an unsecured, no-interest loan of $38,000 to the Seltzer Hose Company. VFRA officials said they were unaware there needed to be a minimum interest rate of three percent.
Union County
New Berlin Fire Co. No. 1 VFRA – No findings
Venango County
Sandycreek Township VFRA – No findings
Wayne County
Lakeville VFRA – No findings
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