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Audit finds Camillus fire department spent too much

The volunteer fire department in Camillus spent more than it should have over a two year period, a state audit has found.

The all-volunteer department just west of Syracuse spent several thousand dollars more than was in its budget in 2012 and 2013, the state Comptroller's office found.

The town and village of Camillus pay the non-profit department for fire protection. They gave the department $81,171 for service between January 2012 and October 2013, but the department spent $88,514.

The state comptroller’s office found poor accounting and spending practices, like using debit cards, a problem.

Camillus fire department president Cheryl Hutchins responded to the audit saying the department was without a treasurer for seven months during that period. She also assured the comptroller she’s confident the overspending was for “legitimate and authorized purposes.”