“CONCERTS OVER CARE?” IRVINGTON BLASTED FOR SPENDING OPIOID FUNDS ON PARTIES, VIP PERKS

Irvington officials are under fire after a state report accused them of misusing over $600,000 in opioid settlement funds to throw concerts instead of funding addiction treatment.

According to the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller (OSC), the township spent $632,000 on two “opioid awareness” concerts in 2023 and 2024—paying $368,500 for music acts, $205,000 on promotion, and thousands more on VIP trailers, popcorn machines, and catered food.

“These funds are meant to save lives, not fund parties,” said Acting Comptroller Kevin Walsh.

The township received more than $1 million from opioid-related settlements and is among dozens of New Jersey communities eligible for these funds.

Township Denies Wrongdoing

Mayor Tony Vauss defended the spending, saying the concerts helped reduce stigma and connect people to recovery resources. He said Narcan training, clinician consultations, and treatment referrals were offered at the events.

Irvington claims the OSC report is misleading and ignores documentation showing the concerts were legal and impactful. The township is now suing the OSC for defamation.

Officials say the events were justified under a legal exemption for “artistic services” and argue that similar awareness concerts have been held elsewhere in New Jersey and beyond.

OSC Pushes Back

The OSC maintains the events lacked clear addiction-related messaging and failed to prove Narcan was distributed at the 2023 concert. Officials also flagged potential ethics violations, including contracts awarded to businesses tied to a township employee.

Despite OSC urging the cancellation of the 2024 event, the township held it and is now planning a 2025 show with additional opioid funds.

This isn't the first time Irvington has faced scrutiny. A 2009 audit uncovered major financial issues, and a 2023 review found continued mismanagement.

The state Supreme Court recently allowed the OSC to release the report after Irvington tried to block it in court.

Read the OSC's full report here.