“They are desperate to ensure that in this coming wave, given that we are a Sanctuary City and we don’t know what the future holds, that they can be strong and continue to be there for communities,” said Allison Sesso, executive director of the Human Services Council. HSC and other advocates are urging City Hall to add money to the “Other Than Personal Services” (OTPS) budget line, which covers non-staffing costs such as utilities, rents, office equipment and repairs. The proposed $50 million in the preliminary budget expected to be introduced next month, would represent a 5 percent raise. The most recent budget, passed in June, included some discretionary funding increases, but advocates were disappointed it didn’t contain the $25 million they sought at the time.
