Indianapolis Library Board of Trustees Meeting – June 24, 2026

The Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees held its regular monthly meeting on June 24, 2026, at the Fort Ben Branch. The agenda was adjusted to begin with a public hearing on a proposed $19 million bond for the Irvington branch renovation and other capital improvements. The meeting included branch reports, public comment heavily focused on CEO compensation, approval of several facilities contracts, a CEO report, and an update on the 2028–2030 strategic plan.

Public Hearing – 2026–2027 Bond for Irvington Branch Renovation and Capital Maintenance

• The board temporarily adjourned the regular meeting to convene a public hearing required by Indiana law for projects funded by property tax-supported bonds.
• Jeff Qualk from Bond, Schoeneck & King outlined the project: primarily renovating the Irvington branch on a scale similar to recent branch renovations, plus miscellaneous district‑wide improvements and equipment/materials purchases (ebooks, software licenses).
• Jason Tantle of Baker Tilly presented the financing plan: borrowing not to exceed $19 million, with a maximum repayment term of 6 years (proposed 4 years), and a maximum annual payment of $13.61 million. The library’s existing debt service levy of $20.71 million would not increase. The bonds would be repaid by 2030.
• No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. The hearing was closed by unanimous vote, and the regular meeting was reconvened.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jim Perrone (Lawrence Mayor’s Office): Welcomed the board and thanked them for holding the meeting in Lawrence.
• Michael Torres (staff union representative): Questioned the process and data used to set CEO Greg Hill’s proposed salary at $270,000 (a $60,000 increase). Cited peer library CEO salaries averaging $216,000. Asked for equity for frontline staff and noted ongoing contract negotiations for union‑eligible staff.
• Danny Abdullah (resident, social worker): Opposed the CEO raise, saying staff deserve a 30% increase instead. Noted Fort Ben’s achievements (dementia awareness, autism center) but argued workers lack basic amenities like functioning HVAC in staff areas.
• Johnny Hall (West Perry branch patron): Argued the raise reflects wrong priorities: public library resources should benefit the community, not the top executive. Called for investment in workers and programs.
• Lindsay Haddock (Wayne branch manager, Staff Association Scholarship Committee): Announced five recipients of the Staff Association scholarship, detailing their positions and educational goals.
• Daisy Cook (resident): Questioned raising CEO pay while library workers earn median librarian salaries (~$54,000). Noted Ohio libraries are state‑funded while Indianapolis libraries rely on local property taxes.
• Lucas Lee (veteran, historian, patron): Framed the raise as part of a broader privatization campaign similar to attacks on IPS. Said the board must choose between public good and private gain.
• Rissa Wilson (social worker, organizer): Called for a living wage for all library workers, stating the CEO’s raise is unjust while staff face harsh conditions.
• Alexandra Chaffin (Lawrence resident): Contrasted the CEO’s 30% raise with staff’s 3% raise. Said $60,000 could be better used to increase worker wages.
• Morgan Stewart (Spades Park branch worker): Described unsafe working conditions, small staff areas, and hostile patron interactions. Argued that equitable raises for frontline staff are needed to maintain service quality.
• Lindsay Holgrave (anonymous employee statement): Highlighted that many staff received only 3% raises, which do not keep pace with rising costs. Asked the board to evaluate compensation equitably.
• Riley Park (doctoral student): Opposed the raise, noting CEO Greg Hill was appointed without going through the public search process. Criticized the board for spending on police at prior meetings instead of investing in workers.
• Joseph Warner (resident): Urged the board to let the CEO leave if retention required such a large raise, arguing mission‑driven leaders would stay without it.
• Marissa Cohen (Pike branch worker): Described repeated trauma and unsafe conditions (harassment, overdoses, shootings). Stated HVAC issues in staff areas have caused heatstroke. Asked for competitive wages for staff, not just the CEO.
• Philip Green (graduate student): Supported workers, noting $60,000 could improve all branches.
• Honesty (Lawrence resident): Rejected the raise as excessive, given library closures and poor working conditions. Noted the median librarian salary is ~$54,000.
• Stephen Lane (former board member, librarian): Requested tabling the CEO raise pending an independent compensation review, publication of performance metrics, and a 5% cost‑of‑living increase for all staff. Detailed past board decisions (consultant waste, police presence, hiring process) and urged workers to organize for fair pay.
• Cecilia Gomez (Central Library patron): Described positive interactions with frontline staff and argued they deserve the $60,000 more than the CEO.
• Dr. Derek Ford (professor): Noted Greg Hill was “anointed” without a proper search. Compared Cleveland Public Library CEO’s raise (3.25%) to Hill’s 30%. Criticized lack of transparency during Central Library’s closure.
• William Wagner (graduate student): Provided quantitative analysis: CEO salary increased 146% since 2021 ($189,700), while staff salary increased only 16%; inflation rose 24%. Proposed that the board has an opportunity to demonstrate public sector values.

Discussion Items

• President’s Remarks: Announced launch of summer reading program (theme “Play Your Way”), Day of Play event on June 27, and ribbon‑cutting for Kid Central and Teen Central.
• Fort Ben Branch Manager Report (Shelby Peake): Branch statistics (125,000 visitors last year), 20 staff, 15+ volunteers, community partnerships (AARP tax prep, model train show, bilingual programs, autism center recertification). Recognized volunteer Lynn Watson with 1,000+ hours.
• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from May 18, 2026 approved with one abstention (Dr. Riolo not present).
• Finance Committee Report: Revenue year‑to‑date $5.13M (9% of budget; property taxes received in June will catch up). Expenditures at 33% of budget, favorable. Audit completion expected July/August.
• Facilities Committee (three resolutions):
  • Resolution 22‑2026: Award contract for East Washington branch concrete steps replacement ($74,962.30 to Mattingley Concrete). Passed.
  • Resolution 23‑2026: Award purchase order for Eagle Branch early literacy furniture ($58,356.12 to Commercial Office Environments, a WBE). Passed.
  • Resolution 24‑2026: Award services contract for furniture replacement at Michigan Road, Southport, and Warren branches ($251,272.23 to RJE Interiors, a WBE). Passed.
• Library Foundation Update: Foundation staff attended international fundraising conference; received $80,000 to support programming; thanks to 216 donors.
• CEO Report (Greg Hill):
  • Confirmatory resolution 25‑2026 for financial, travel, and personnel matters approved (one “no” vote from Dr. Matada).
  • Engagement data: May visitors 197,660 (down 3% from May 2025 but second‑highest month in four months); circulation down 3.5% from May 2025.
  • Events: Martindale Brightwood 125th anniversary, Center for Black Literature & Culture Book Fest/Juneteenth, Kid/Teen Central opening, “Heart of Every Neighborhood” Lawrence stop.
  • Human‑centered story: Staff assisted a homeless family, connecting them to food and shelter; family later secured stable housing and remains engaged.
  • Growth strategy goals: customer service philosophy, consistent front‑door experiences, Library Card Day in September.
  • Staff recognition: Awarded to employees for patronage, community involvement, page excellence, volunteering, and committee choice.
  • Upcoming events: low‑impact exercise, Day of Play, Black Photography Exhibit, free notary services, Indy Cinema series.
• Strategic Plan Update (Mary McKenzie): Presented framework for 2028–2030 Long‑Range Plan of Service. Board committee to be formed, community engagement focused on underserved groups, completion target August 2027. $50,000 per year allocated for consultant support.

Key Outcomes

• Public hearing closed and bond parameters (up to $19 million, 4‑year term, no levy increase) presented for second hearing and vote at the July 27 board meeting.
• All three facilities resolutions approved: East Washington steps ($74,962), Eagle Branch furniture ($58,356), and furniture replacement at three branches ($251,272).
• Confirmatory resolution 25‑2026 approved (one dissenting vote).
• Board acknowledged public comments and committed to digesting feedback; no immediate action taken on CEO salary increase, but discussion noted for future agenda.
• Strategic planning committee to be formed; next board meeting scheduled for July 27, 2026 at East Washington Branch.