Purpose of Audit

The purpose of our audit was to determine whether the Board of Directors provided adequate oversight of the financial activities of the New Hope Fire Department for the period January 1, 2016 through November 1, 2017.

Background

The New Hope Fire Department is affiliated with the Three Town Fire District in Cayuga County. The Department provides fire protection services in the Towns of Niles and Sempronius. The Department is governed by an elected five-member Board of Directors. The 2016 operating expenses totaled approximately $31,000.

Key Findings

• The Board did not provide adequate oversight of financial activities or establish internal controls over transaction authorization and recordkeeping.
• The Board did not perform an annual audit of the Treasurer’s records.

Key Recommendations

• Review and update the bylaws, or adopt policies and procedures, to establish internal controls and provide guidance for cash disbursements, including the use of debit cards.
• Perform an annual audit of the Treasurer’s records.