Nonprofit executive salaries, Rockville Centre Diocese sex abuse settlement, college day care
The Children’s Greenhouse at Nassau Community College in Garden City provides affordable on-site day care for students. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Addressing Suffolk nonprofit salaries
The editorial “Suffolk’s poor use of oversight” [Opinion, Sept. 26] criticized the efforts of Legis. Rob Trotta and me to rein in the exorbitant salaries of CEOs of nonprofits. Many pay themselves a salary of at least $450,000. I am disappointed that the editorial board would prematurely take such a stance, especially considering their repeated calls for greater oversight.
The pending legislation is currently receiving public comment. As the editorial points out, the bill has undergone several revisions since its first incarnation and will likely undergo more. We encourage feedback from all parties. Rather than jumping to condemn this initiative, it would have been far more responsible to let the process play out to its final version of the legislation.
I was also disheartened that the board would not address the positive steps already taken. We have shined a light, prompting some not-for-profits to reexamine their operations. Several former employees of these agencies have come forward with fiscal concerns, which I hope state Attorney General Letitia James will look into.
Taxpayers are helping fund not-for-profits, providing critical services to vulnerable residents. It is essential that residents’ money go toward those in need rather than enriching agency CEOs. When finalized, the Suffolk County Legislature will pass a bill that addresses this inequity. The editorial board’s criticism does a disservice to Suffolk taxpayers.
— Trish Bergin, East Islip
The writer represents Suffolk’s 10th Legislative District.
The editorial about compensation for CEOs of nonprofits led us at Long Island Cares to review how we determine salaries and the importance of a transparent and equitable process for our executive team and staff.
The Internal Revenue Service places no restrictions on the percentage of a nonprofit’s income that may be spent on management, but it does monitor salaries when determining whether an organization may retain its tax-exempt status. It bases “reasonable” nonprofit compensation on factors such as overall budget, regional compensation averages, education, and job descriptions. Our president/ CEO’s salary accounts for less than 1% of the budget. Large nonprofits typically pay their CEOs between 1% and 2.5%.
Our board takes its fiduciary responsibility seriously, and salary decisions are based on Feeding America guidelines, regional cost of living, and the work itself. We are committed to fair pay, period. In fact, staff received a 5% salary adjustment in April. Even after this significant investment in our team, 90 cents of every dollar raised goes to support our mission.
— Michael W. Haynes, Hauppauge
The writer is vice president for Government Relations, Advocacy & Social Policy for Long Island Cares.
LI parishes contribute to diocese settlement
To help clarify the Diocese of Rockville Centre’s $323 million sexual abuse settlement, it should be noted that Bishop John Barres and the diocesan administration get funding from several sources, including a “cathedraticum” that is paid by every parish in Nassau and Suffolk counties “Sex abuse survivors to get settlement payments in 2025,” News, Sept. 28].
The diocese said that most of the settlement money will not come from parishes. The diocesan administration, though, can survive and function only with this cathedraticum. This comes from the donations of all Long Island parishioners. Diocesan insurance premiums are also paid from the parish donations throughout Long Island.
It is time for the Rockville Centre Diocese to make a true accounting of the funds it receives and how it is spent. This will only help to foster transparency that is a must.
— Joseph Campbell, Port Washington
Colleges a huge help by offering day care
Amid the headline-grabbing issues of divisive politics, crimes, worldwide unrest, and various local tragedies, I’m glad to see coverage of encouraging news about our Long Island institutions of higher learning providing child care on their campuses [“LI colleges’ day care provides helping hand,” News, Sept. 25].
Many years ago, I was a single parent raising a child and working while continuing my college education. It would have meant the world to me if these services were then available and affordable to me and others.
I am one of the fortunate ones who obtained my degree and served in Long Island’s not-for-profit sector. The stress, however, made a difficult situation almost unattainable.
I congratulate all those who believe in and support parenthood and academic achievement. They are true heroes.
— Marie Palagonia, Coram
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