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Queens Library board agrees to review Galante’s salary

Queens Library board agrees to review Galante’s salary
Photo by Christina Santucci
By Rich Bockmann

The Queens Library’s board announced it will take a new look at library CEO Thomas Galante’s salary after the borough president called on the trustees to review the embattled executive’s compensation.

“The board of trustees took assertive steps tonight toward addressing the concerns and issues raised in the last few weeks,” Chairman Gabriel Taussig said in a statement released following the board’s meeting Thursday.

Borough President Melinda Katz wrote to Taussig Wednesday recommending the board hire an outside consultant to review Galante’s $392,000 salary in addition to other changes to his contract and the board’s structure.

Taussig said board, half of whose members will be appointed by Katz, was taking steps to draw up a new contract with Galante.

“Actions initiated this evening included the board’s commitment to promptly enter into a new executive contract with a fixed term and without an evergreen clause,” he said. “They also included the initiation of a new executive contract study and several reforms to the board’s governance, including taking steps toward the establishment of an audit committee and drafting a conflict of interest policy, demonstrate this commitment.”

Reach reporter Rich Bockmann by e-mail at rbockmann@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.