Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in Seven Counties
Auditor General DePasquale Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in Seven Counties
HARRISBURG (Aug. 27, 2020) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in Berks, Clearfield, Clinton, Lehigh, Schuylkill, Snyder and Washington counties.
“My audits of relief associations ensure that critical state funds are used properly in helping volunteer firefighters save lives and protect communities,” DePasquale said. “Because state aid only goes so far, please remember local first responders when making donations to support 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.
Berks County
Shoemakersville VFRA – No findings.
Clearfield County
Brady Township VFRA – No findings.
Clinton County
South Renovo VFRA – No findings.
Lehigh 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 contained only the treasurer’s signature when the signatures of two officers are required.
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: inadequate minutes of meetings and inadequate signatory authority for the disbursement of funds and failure to adhere to relief association bylaws.
Checks contained the signature of one officer when the signatures of two officers are required.
Snyder County
Perry Township VFRA – No findings.
Reliance Hose Co. No. 1 VFRA – No findings.
Washington County
Fredericktown VFRA – No findings.
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