Auditor General Releases Audits for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations in 11 Counties

Harrisburg, PA

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in Allegheny, Armstrong, Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Greene, Monroe, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland and York counties.

State aid for VFRAs comes from a 2 percent tax on fire insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania by out-of-state companies. This year, 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.

Allegheny County

Versailles VFRA – No findings.

Armstrong County

South Buffalo Township VFRA – No findings.

Bedford County

Southern Cove VFRA – No findings.

Bucks County

Tullytown VFRA – No findings.

Chester County

Avondale Fire 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 noncompliance with prior audit recommendation for undocumented expenditures.

As a result of the audit, the affiliated fire company reimbursed the VFRA for eight credit card payments which totaled $1,014. Also, as a result of the audit, the affiliated fire company reimbursed the VFRA $2,982 for unauthorized expenses, including $2,982 for repairing a fire company vehicle and $650 to train career (paid) personnel.

Greene County

Richhill Township 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 one finding: failure to maintain minutes of meetings.

Monroe County

Tunkhannock Township VFRA – No findings.

Washington County

California VFRA – No findings.

Valley Inn VFRA – No findings.

Wayne County

Lake Ariel VFRA – No findings.

Westmoreland County

Claridge VFRA – No findings.

York County

Felton 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 one finding: failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster.