CHARLESTON, W.Va. — W.Va. county officials are refusing to give funds to five volunteer fire departments that haven’t shared their financial statements.
The Kanawha County Commission voted last year to examine financial data before giving any taxpayer funds to fire departments, according to the Associated Press.
The decision came after a former employee embezzled more than $20,000 from the Institute Volunteer Fire Department.
Kanawha County gives out more than $300,000 per year to assist in funding 27 volunteer fire departments.
County officials are working with the affected stations and say they are confident all departments will hand over the required data.