State releases audit for Sharpsburg fire relief group

Jul. 29--The Sharpsburg Fireman's Relief Association got the 'all clear' from audits released by state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale.

Finances were reviewed from Jan. 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2018.

The goal is to determine if the group complied with laws pertaining to state aid and expenses paid by relief funds.

In 2018, 2,518 municipalities received $55.1 million for distribution to VFRAs for training, new equipment and insurance costs, and death benefits for volunteer firefighters.

They receive state aid from a 2 percent state tax on fire insurance premiums purchased by Pennsylvania residents from out-of-state casualty insurance companies.

Audits were conducted in Allegheny County and neighboring counties that include Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland.

The full reports are online at paauditor.gov.