NYC Migrant Crisis: $139 Million Overtime Bill

The management of New York City's migrant crisis has resulted in a staggering overtime bill for taxpayers. An investigation reveals that the Departments of Social Services (DSS) and Homeless Services (DHS) incurred $139.4 million in overtime pay during fiscal year 2024. This represents a 67% increase from the previous fiscal year.

Who's Getting the Overtime?

Fifty-one of the city's top 100 overtime earners work for DSS and DHS, largely in roles directly supporting the city's migrant population. One DSS bookkeeper, Kashwayne Burnett, accumulated a jaw-dropping 3,303 overtime hours, equivalent to roughly 14 hours a day, seven days a week, earning $164,760 in overtime—more than triple his base salary.

The Cost of the Crisis

The city's total cost for handling the migrant crisis has reached $6.5 billion, with over 53,800 migrants still in city care.

Critics Speak Out

City Councilman Robert Holden voiced his concerns, stating that the situation is “absolutely staggering” and unsustainable for taxpayers. Ken Girardin of the Empire Center for Public Policy warns that these costs are likely to persist for at least another year.

Agency Response

DSS spokesperson Neha Sharma expressed gratitude for the staff's dedication and hard work under unprecedented circumstances.

This substantial overtime expenditure raises serious questions about the long-term financial sustainability of the city's response to the migrant crisis and the efficiency of resource allocation.