Audit of Upper Burrell fire department finds no problems

The preliminary findings from an audit found no issues with Upper Burrell’s volunteer fire company finances, supervisors told residents during their Wednesday night meeting.

Unhappy with the prospect of a proposed 2-mill fire tax, township residents this summer asked for an audit of the fire company’s books to confirm their financial status and the need to tax township property owners to pay for a new fire truck.

There is agreement on all sides that a new fire truck is needed to replace the company’s current main truck, which is 24 years old.

However, there is still disagreement on how much to spend.

When some residents pushed back on the 2-mill fire tax proposal in May, township supervisors temporarily shelved the tax, called for a special fire company committee to review the situation and then in September announced they were hiring Deluzio & Co. LLP of Greensburg to audit the fire company’s books to quell public concerns.

Some residents, including former firefighters, questioned officials at township meetings earlier this year about the fire company’s handling of its finances.

Fire company officials defended themselves, saying their finances were fine and that they really did need extra money to pay for a new fire truck.

“We received the preliminary audit and it shows that the fire company has done a good job since 2015,” said Ross Walker, supervisors’ chairman, Wednesday night. “They have found nothing bad.”

Walker stressed that the findings were preliminary and expects for the final report to be complete in January.

Kevin Hogan, the fire company’s first lieutenant and financial secretary, said Wednesday night after the supervisors meeting: “Everything that the township asked for, we submitted and we’re waiting for the final audit.”

He added: “We’re happy to hear everything is going good.”

Coming soon: Fire tax proposal

Once the final audit is in hand and discussed with the public and the township’s special committee on the fire company, the supervisors will again float the proposed fire tax, Walker said.

When supervisors discuss the proposed tax sometime next year, Walker said the proposal will be revised down the proposed fire tax from 2 mills to between 1.5 and 2 mills.