A state audit of Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association, released this week by Auditor General Timothy DeFoor, noted two technical issues to correct.
“Relief associations provide vital support to Pennsylvania’s dedicated first responders,” DeFoor said. “Our audits make sure state aid is used to equip and protect volunteer firefighters and the communities they serve.”
In all significant respects, the report noted, the Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association complied with all applicable laws. There were two findings noted in the audit.
According to the audit report, the VFRA’s checks contained only one signature, when the law requires two. The association representative noted the checks they were using were set up to only have one signatory. They agreed to remedy the issue.
The second finding was that the minutes of meetings did not contain detailed information on financial transactions. The association representative said a new secretary wasn’t familiar with the requirements, but had since received further training.
The report also noted the VFRA had paid $67 in sales tax, which they should not have paid. Because of the small amount, it was not included as a finding in the audit report.
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.
