Jan. 29--NORTHERN CAMBRIA, PA -- Spangler Fire Company shot back Monday at recent criticism and accusations of mismanagement circulating in social media.
"It is unfortunate, with today's technology and the existence of social media, that scurrilous assertions can so easily be made without accountability and/or proof of the statements made," the fire company said in a statement provided by its attorney, Richard Corcoran of Homady & Corcoran LLC in Ebensburg. "Such baseless allegations only serve to divide the community as opposed to promoting the positive efforts of dedicated public servants, such as the Spangler Fire Company, and the efforts of the citizens who have long supported this work in our community," the statement continued.
Northern Cambria Borough Council members earlier this month said they were looking into allegations from a Jan. 10 Facebook posting by Edward Andrew, of Nanty Glo, who accused the volunteer organization of not accounting for fundraiser proceeds.
Andrew told The Tribune-Democrat he was a member of the fire company, but Spangler's statement describes the allegations this way: "Unfortunately, recently certain persons have attempted to disparage the fire company by posting baseless and untrue allegations on social media. These allegations include false accusations from a disgruntled former member of the fire company that the Spangler Fire Company did not properly account for moneys received by the fire company through fundraisers and through donations."
The fire company denies Andrew's assertion that proceeds from fish dinners and gun raffles were not reported openly. The statement said the nonprofit group's books are audited every year by a local accounting firm.
"At no time have these audits revealed any discrepancies with the manner in which Spangler Fire Company handles its finances, including moneys received from fundraisers and donations," the statement said. "In fact, in a report prepared in March of 2018 relative to the 2017 audit, the accounting firm found the books to be 'in excellent order.' "
Fire company President Rick Smith said he will provide The Tribune-Democrat access to the records when the audit for 2018 is completed by Prasko's Accounting of Northern Cambria. An employee at the firm estimated it will be at least a week before the work is completed.
Borough Councilman Wilbur Kelly Jr. said the borough is waiting to see the results of the latest audit. "We have to be patient with this and give everybody the benefit of the doubt," Kelly said. "Until that audit comes out, I don't think it's justifiable to continue with the accusations." Kelly approached fire company leaders immediately after Andrew's scathing Facebook post was circulated. "They didn't try to hide from me, and I went in unannounced," Kelly said. "I was offered the books."
The worst Kelly expects to learn is that funds weren't documented in the proper accounts or budget lines."They don't have any training in that," he said. "They are just doing what was handed down. I think it is going to work out."
Fire company leaders acknowledge the existing fire hall is in bad shape. Plans are in the works for a new building, however, and there is no food prepared or fundraisers held in the 2001 Bigler Ave. fire hall. Spangler owns a separate facility at 1700 Kennedy Ave. for those functions.
"The members of the community may rest assured that the Spangler Fire Company's Contres Greer Social Hall has always met or exceeded the standards required of a banquet facility wherein food is prepared and served," the statement said.
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