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Resident tells council "corruption" is "synonymous with Long Branch" and raises questions about nonprofit first aid squad finances
Summary
Vincent Lepore used his public-comment time to accuse the Long Branch First Aid and Safety Squad Corporation of financial irregularities, citing Form 990 figures (revenue ~715,000; reported net loss $57,006.27) and alleging large salary increases for leaders between 2023 and 2024. The council did not respond on the record in the provided excerpt.
During the Feb. 3 Long Branch City Council meeting, resident Vincent Lepore used his five minutes of public comment to accuse local officials and a volunteer nonprofit of financial mismanagement.
"Corruption. Synonymous with Long Branch," Lepore said, addressing the clerk and council. He cited the Long Branch First Aid and Safety Squad Corporation's federal Form 990 filings, stating revenue of about "715,000" and reporting "a net income loss of $57,006.27" for 2024. He alleged that the organization's director (a retired police officer) and president (a retired fire department member) received combined compensation of $130,594 and that between 2023 and 2024 the director's reported compensation increased by $42,212 and the president's increased by $17,705.
Lepore also told the council he had previously raised questions at a city budget hearing about a $140,000 appropriation to volunteer first-aid squads and said the city's CFO, Martin, had confirmed the contribution. He accused the city auditor, recently appointed by council action, of missing these details and criticized the council and administration for a "catastrophic financial government."
The transcript contains no staff or council rebuttal to Lepore's allegations in the public portion provided. The clerk later instructed members of the public to contact the clerk's office to schedule additional time during public council hours.
The claims Lepore raised reference specific filings and dollar amounts. The record in this excerpt does not include copies of the Form 990, a response from the Long Branch First Aid and Safety Squad Corporation, or follow-up by CFO Martin or the auditor. City records and the organization's filed Form 990 are the appropriate sources to verify the financial figures cited and any questions about city contributions or oversight.
The public comment concluded without on-the-record answers; the council proceeded to routine business and then to other agenda items.
