Berkshire Fire District - District Operations (2020M-40)

Issued Date
June 12, 2020

[read complete report - pdf]

Audit Objective

Determine whether District officials used a competitive process to procure goods and services.

Determine whether District officials established adequate controls to safeguard fixed assets.

Determine whether the Treasurer filed the annual update documents (AUDs).

Key Findings

  • Officials did not comply with the District’s procurement policy when procuring assets.
  • The District could have saved $3,800 if it had purchased propane at State contract prices.
  • The Board did not establish adequate controls to safeguard fixed assets.
  • The Treasurer did not submit AUDs, which are required annual financial reports, to our office.

Key Recommendations

  • Comply with District policies and applicable statutes requiring competition when procuring goods and services, and maintain a record of quotes obtained for purchases.
  • Establish a comprehensive fixed asset policy to safeguard assets.
  • Ensure AUDs are filed in a timely manner.

District officials generally agreed with our recommendations and have initiated or indicated they planned to initiate corrective action. Appendix B includes our comment on an issue that was raised in the District’s response letter.