Fire company’s bookkeeping faulted in audit

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 company provides fire protection services to a portion of the town of Shawangunk.

The review covered the period from Jan. 1, 2012, through Feb. 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 included adoption and enforcement of policies and procedures that establish a strong system of internal controls over the company’s finances. 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, they added.

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.