Southampton, Pa. – Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today held an information session for Volunteer Fire Relief Associations (VFRAs) in Bucks County to help them effectively and efficiently manage the state funds they receive. The event was hosted by State Senator Frank Farry.
“Volunteer firefighters are essential to keeping our communities safe and we have to do everything we can to support them,” Auditor General DeFoor said. “Our job is to help them understand their role in accounting for the state aid they receive to make sure the funds are being spent properly. Events like this give VFRAs an opportunity to ask questions and get feedback.”
State Representatives Kristin Marcell and Joe Hogan also attended the event to provide support to the associations.
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 2023, $67.44 million went to 2,519 municipalities for distribution to VFRAs to provide training, purchase equipment and insurance, and pay for death benefits for volunteer firefighters. The department provides VFRAs with Management Guidelines for Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Associations to help them through the auditing process.
Earlier in the year, Auditor General DeFoor announced the department was transforming the way they do audits of VFRAs by using Limited Engagement Procedures (LPEs). Using LPEs allows the department to shift resources to those VFRAs who need more in-depth reviews.
For more information about the Department of the Auditor General’s transformation initiative and to find the latest audits of your local VFRA, visit www.paauditor.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.