Tulsa library CEO receives 3 percent salary increase
BY SARA PLUMMER World Staff Writer
Friday, December 21, 2012
12/21/12 at 5:54 AM
The Tulsa City-County Library Commission awarded the library's CEO a 3 percent salary increase and approved a 15-year master plan for the library system during a Thursday meeting.
The pay increase brings Gary Shaffer's yearly salary to $154,475, up from the $149,976 in the formal contract approved by the commission in September. Shaffer started in January 2011.
In June, commissioners voted to increase Shaffer's salary from $140,004 to $145,596 as part of his performance evaluation.
"You've had a lot of challenges and for the most part you've handled those challenges. Next year we may end up with a different outcome," said Commissioner William Peacher, who noted that the commission looked at comparable library CEO salaries. "It appears we've been competitive."
Several commissioners said they support Shaffer and the work he's doing, especially on the Central Library renovation project.
Commissioners Cindy Vogel and Sally Frasier said they were in favor of a 4 percent increase.
"I'm one of your biggest fans," Vogel said. "We'll need you in the coming years."
Tulsa County Commissioner Fred Perry said two-thirds of county employees went without raises for four years until all employees were given a 2 percent raise this year.
"Three percent, in light of what has happened in the rest of the county, shows the support you have," Perry said.
Meanwhile, the commission approved the master plan presented by HGA Architects and Engineers.
Since June, representatives from HGA met several times with library staff and community leaders about the facilities and services offered by the library's 25 branches and locations.
According to the master plan, the team from HGA assessed the library sites and found that most were in good physical condition but unique in collection and artwork. No library appeared to be "forgotten or prioritized over another."
HGA recommended expanding some of the smaller branches and converting meeting rooms to multipurpose rooms to better use the space, Shaffer said.
Branches targeted for expansion include Nathan Hale, Maxwell Park and South Broken Arrow.
A pilot service model will be implemented at the temporary Central location, planned for the former supermarket at 11th Street and Denver Avenue, while the original Central site is renovated beginning in the spring.
"We'll rotate staff so they get a feel for that, then we'll roll out to the branches," Shaffer said.
Changes to services will happen first, then capital improvements such as expansions will be in the future, he said.
Finance Director Gail Morris said this was the first time the library has hired an external company to develop a master plan, which she called "a living document" that will be reviewed on a regular basis.
Original Print Headline: Library CEO to receive 3 percent raise
Sara Plummer 918-581-8465
sara.plummer@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
CEO Gary Shaffer: His yearly salary will increase to $154,475 from $149,976
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