The Auditor General found some non-compliance with prior audit recommendations in the audit reports of fire relief associations he recently published. | Pixabay
The Auditor General found some non-compliance with prior audit recommendations in the audit reports of fire relief associations he recently published. | Pixabay
The Auditor General found some non-compliance with prior audit recommendations in the audit reports of fire relief associations that he recently published.
Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor announced the release of audit reports for five volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in four counties on Feb. 25. These relief associations are separate legal entities of each of the fire departments they support.
“Our audits help to make sure that VFRAs are properly using state funds to help first responders protect communities and save lives,” DeFoor said.
DeFoor applauded the Glen Hope and Ephrata VFRAs for having no audit findings.
The Department of the Auditor General distributes state aid for VFRAs and audits how they use the funds, which are generated by a 2% tax on fire insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania by out-of-state companies.
In 2021, $54 million went to 2,517 municipalities for distribution to VFRAs to provide training, purchase equipment and insurance and pay for death benefits for volunteer firefighters. The VFRAs might not receive any future state aid if they refuse to comply with contracts, state laws, administrative procedures, and bylaws.
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