The Indianapolis Public Library board has handed CEO Gregory Hill a hefty raise, voting 5-1 on Monday at the Fort Ben branch to bump his annual salary to $265,000. About a dozen speakers, including several library employees, used the public-comment period to slam the size of the increase, which lifts Hill’s pay by roughly $60,000 from last year’s reported level.
Board action and vote
According to WFYI, the compensation change was approved during the board’s regular meeting after discussion and public comment. The 5-1 vote formally locked in the new $265,000 salary for Hill, who was appointed CEO in 2023.
Staff and union reaction
Mirror Indy reports that Hill earned about $205,000 in 2025, according to the state public-employee database. The new salary raises his hourly rate from roughly $99 to $127.40, about a 29 percent jump. Union president Michael Torres told Mirror Indy, “But the $60,000 has shocked us all,” and questioned how transparent the board had been while setting Hill’s new pay.
Board defense
Board President Ray Biederman told Mirror Indy that Hill has done a “fantastic job” since his appointment and argued that the raise helps bring the CEO’s compensation in line with similar positions elsewhere. Hill’s promotion to CEO in 2023 was announced in a press release from the Indianapolis Public Library, which highlighted his long tenure within the system.
Where the record is
The board’s meeting packet and actions are listed in the library’s Board Documents & Archives, including an amended packet for the June 22 meeting and a link to the meeting recording. The official IndyPL board materials contain the full record and resolutions on the pay decision.
What’s next
The vote settles the immediate question of Hill’s compensation, but the tension that surfaced during public comment is not likely to disappear overnight. Library leaders acknowledged the feedback during the meeting, and both staff and community members are expected to keep a close eye on future board sessions as the system moves ahead with its regular agenda.
