[read complete report – pdf] | [read complete 2020 report – pdf]

Purpose of Review

The purpose of our review was to assess the Newark Valley Fire District’s (District) progress, as of September 2025, in implementing our recommendations in the audit report Newark Valley Fire District – Board Oversight (2020M-30), released in May 2020. 

The audit determined that: 

• There were control weaknesses in the community hall rental process.
• Documentation of compliance with the procurement policy was incomplete.
• Although monthly financial reports were accurate and reliable, the Board did not perform an annual audit of the Secretary-Treasurer’s (Treasurer) records for 2017 and 2018.
• The Treasurer did not file required annual update documents with the Office of the State Comptroller as of the end of our audit.

The audit included five recommendations to help the Board of Fire Commissioners (Board) improve their oversight of the District’s financial activities.

Background

The District a district corporation of the State, distinct and separate from the Town of Newark Valley in Tioga County. The District provides fire protection and emergency rescue services to approximately 4,000 residents over 57 square miles. The elected five-member Board governs the District and is responsible for its overall financial management. The Board appoints a Treasurer who acts as the chief fiscal officer and is responsible for receiving, disbursing and accounting for District funds and preparing periodic financial reports.

Results of Review

Of the five audit recommendations, two recommendations were implemented, one recommendation was partially implemented, and two recommendations were not implemented. Until all recommendations are implemented, the Board cannot ensure District assets are fully safeguarded.