Greater Victoria Public Library 2025 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan Cover Letter

November 20, 2024

Mayor Tobias and Council Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Avenue View Royal, BC V9B 1A6

Dear Mayor Tobias and Council:

Re: Greater Victoria Public Library 2025 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan

The Greater Victoria Public Library respectfully submits its 2025 Operating Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan for 2025-2029. As per the terms of the Library Operating Agreement, approval by council resolution is required by May 1, 2025.

The overall system-wide municipal contribution amount increase requested for is 5.5%

The Town of View Royal’s share of the 2025 requisition, based on converted assessment values and population of your municipality, including rental adjustment, is $671,890. A detailed breakdown of each member municipality’s individual contribution is provided on pages 4 and 5 of the enclosed budget package. Budget drivers include salaries and benefits, library materials, building occupancy costs and other factors which are described in the attached 2025 budget notes. Additionally, please see Appendix A attached to this letter which provides a review of the GVPL’s Municipal contributions funding formula.

As one of the few free, accessible public spaces available for everyone, public libraries are relied upon not only as trusted sources of information and learning, but vital community hubs. As a critical frontline service, GVPL is committed to supporting the overall health and well-being of our community amidst unprecedented pressures to adapt and respond to increasingly diverse needs and the challenges facing the most vulnerable.

GVPL is recognized for its essential role in lifelong learning, inclusivity and community wellbeing, as illustrated in GVPL’s 2023 Annual Report. Thank-you for your continued support of the work we are doing to provide affordable, accessible and resilient services for the communities we serve.

Sincerely,

Andrew Appleton Board Chair

Maureen Sawa CEO

cc: Scott Sommerville, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of View Royal Dawn Christenson, Chief Financial Officer, Town of View Royal Melina Barnes, Assistant Director, Finance, Greater Victoria Public Library

Attachment: Appendix A- Municipal Contributions Formula, Population and Assessment Values