[read complete report – pdf] | [read complete 2021 report – pdf]

Purpose of Review

The purpose of our review was to assess the Schonowe Volunteer Fire Company, Inc’s (Company’s) progress, as of April 2025, in implementing our recommendations in the audit report Schonowe Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. – Board Oversight (2021M-185), released in April 2022. 

The audit determined that the Company’s Board did not develop financial procedures for collections and disbursements, periodically monitor the budget or ensure the constitution (bylaws) were followed. The audit included eight recommendations to help the Board and Company officials monitor and improve the Company’s financial operations, and to help the Board provide adequate oversight of financial operations.

Background

The Company is located in the Town of Rotterdam, Schenectady County and is composed of volunteer members and is governed by its adopted bylaws and a membership-elected four-member Board. The Board is responsible for managing and overseeing the Company’s financial activities and upholding and enforcing the bylaws.

The Treasurer is responsible for maintaining custody of financial assets, disbursing, depositing, and accounting for the Company’s financial operations, preparing and filing financial reports as well as other reporting requirements. 

Results of Review

Although the Board and Company officials were aware of the prior audit, were familiar with the recommendations and conveyed in the Company’s CAP what actions they would take to implement the audit’s recommendations, the Board and Company officials did not implement any of the audit’s recommendations.