Correspondence from Greater Victoria Public Library re: 2014 Budget and Five Year Financial Plan

Re: 2014 Budget and Five Year Financial Plan – FINAL

The Greater Victoria Public Library respectfully submits its Final 2014 Operating Budget and Five Year Financial Plan for 2014-2018 for approval by Council resolution by May 1st.

We have reduced our Final Operating Budget increase to 2.81% from the 3.01% presented earlier in the provisional budget. Staff have worked hard to find additional savings without impacting public service. The municipal contribution increase for 2014 is 3.51% (a decrease from the 3.58% received in 2013).

The Town of View Royal’s share of the 2014 requisition based on converted assessment values and population and including rental adjustment is $436,931. This request represents an additional $1.12 per capita in View Royal. As you know, library usage in our community continues to be very strong with high circulation of materials and an unrelenting demand for computer and Internet access. We are also seeing skyrocketing ebook usage and great interest in a wide range of children and adult programming. The operating budget increase that we are proposing for 2014 is the minimal amount that will allow us to maintain current library service levels.

We look forward to presenting this budget to Council on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 and sharing more about some of the exciting things the library is doing.

Thank you for your vision and ongoing support for the role public libraries play in creating strong, healthy communities.

Sincerely,

Greg Bunyan Chair, Greater Victoria Public Library Board

Enclosure

Copies:

• Kim Anema, CAO, Town of View Royal
• Jeannie Beauchamp, Director of Finance, Town of View Royal
• Maureen Sawa, CEO, Greater Victoria Public Library
• Donna Phillips, Director of Finance, Greater Victoria Public Library