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DIA Officers Got Pay Boost, Including $514K Director's Salary, $50K Bonuses, As Counties Considered Tax Millage

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Detroit Institute of Arts tax documents show compensation for its two top officers increased by more than 10 percent in 2012, including $50,000 bonuses for each.

The documents, obtained by the Detroit News, show that DIA director Graham Beal's total compensation increased by 13 percent to about $514,000 in 2013, while chief operating officer and vice president Annmarie Erickson had a 36 percent bump to about $369,000.

The increases came the same year voters in neighboring counties approved a yearly $23 million property tax millage to fund DIA operations for 10 years.

It was the second year in a row that Beal received a base salary raise, and the third consecutive raise for Erickson. Beal's compensation has risen 20 percent since 2010, according to the documents, while Erickson's has jumped 56 percent.

Gene Gargaro, the DIA board chairman, said compensation was based in part on personnel evaluations and the DIA's financial performance. Museum employees are paid with operating funds including membership dues, donations and the regional tax.

"When we were in dire straits, many times we gave Beal and Erickson credit for the work they've done to get us through these unique financial times," Gargaro told the newspaper. "Yes, it's a significant amount of money. That's what it takes to attract and retain top talent in our community."

Some creditors pushed for city-owned artwork in the institute's collection to be sold in Detroit's historic bankruptcy.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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