HARRISBURG (June 16, 2021) – Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor today announced the release of audit reports for volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in Allegheny, Blair, Bucks, Carbon, Delaware and Lancaster counties.
“Relief associations provide vital support to Pennsylvania’s first responders and our audits make sure state aid is used to maximize public safety and protect firefighters,” DeFoor said.
DeFoor applauded the Ben Avon, Elizabeth Township, Springtown, Marcus Hook-Trainer and Reinholds 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 percent tax on fire insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania by out-of-state companies.
In 2020, $60.25 million went to 2,518 municipalities for distribution to VFRAs to provide training, purchase equipment and insurance, and pay for death benefits for volunteer firefighters.
Relief associations are separate legal entities from the fire departments they support. VFRAs must comply with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures in managing the receipt and expenditure of relief association funds or face the potential withholding of future state aid.
Audit reports are available online using the links provided below, or at www.PaAuditor.gov/audit-reports.
Allegheny County
Ben Avon Volunteer Fire Company Relief Association – No findings.
Elizabeth Township Fire Department No. 1 – No findings.
Blair County
Claysburg Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association – One finding: The relief association failed to maintain detailed minutes of meetings as required by state law and the relief association’s bylaws. Specifically, the minutes did not address all of the financial-related transactions that occurred during the audit period and were not signed by the recording secretary.
Bucks County
Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association of Springtown – No findings.
Trumbauersville Volunteer Firefighters Relief Association – One finding: The relief association did not maintain a surety bond in a sufficient amount to cover the relief association’s authorized disbursing officer.
Carbon County
The Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association of Lehighton – One finding: In 2020, Weissport Borough did not distribute $1,601 in state aid to the relief association within 60 days of receipt as required by law. The VFRA was only able to deposit the funds in March 2021.
Delaware County
Marcus Hook-Trainer Fire Department Relief Association – No findings.
Lancaster County
Reinholds Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association – No findings.
Learn more about the Department of the Auditor General online at www.PaAuditor.gov.
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