ALBANY – The board of the Wallkill Hook, Ladder and Hose Company
had not established policies and procedures for cash receipts, cash disbursements,
fundraising or the audit of claims, according to an audit by the state
comptroller’s office. The review covered the period of January 1,
2012 through February 28, 2014.
Auditors also found that bingo operations did not follow applicable regulations
and fundraising reports were not always complete and did not contain sufficient
information to verify proceeds.
Recommendations by the state officials include adoption and enforcement
of policies and procedures that establish a strong system of internal
controls over the company’s financial. They said that should include
compensating controls over the treasurer’s unsegregated duties,
such as regular reviews of financial records and reports, bank statements
and reconciliations. The board should also conduct annual audits of the
treasurer’s record.
The state auditors said the fire company should develop procedures to
ensure compliance with state regulations for bingo operations and establish
procedures for each fundraiser, which allows the board to verify the amounts
received, such as tracking attendance at breakfasts, and developing fundraiser
forms that require duplicate signatures verifying startup money and all
money received.
In response to the audit, fire company Board Chairman Scott Annacone wrote
the department has put in place procedures to correct the issues cited
in the report.
