Perry and East Brady VFDs pass audits

From staff reports

Pennsylvania State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale’s office recently announced the results of its audits of the Perry Township and East Brady volunteer fire departments’ relief associations

Both departments passed the audits with only minor findings.

The audit found Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department 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 segregate relief association duties.

One person currently holds the positions of secretary and treasurer for the Perry Township volunteers, a situation the auditor general does not recommend.

The East Brady Volunteer Fire Department also 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: inappropriate ownership of rescue vehicle and trailer.

The VFRA was not listed as the owner on the titles of a rescue boat and trailer that it had purchased.

The auditor general recommends the ownership of the boat and trailer be clarified.

“My audits of volunteer firefighter relief associations ensure that critical funds are used properly in helping our dedicated first responders to save lives and protect communities,” DePasquale said.

State aid for VFRAs comes from a 2 percent tax on fire insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania by out-of-state companies. In 2019, 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.