Greater Victoria Public Library 2024 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan Cover Letter

Re: Greater Victoria Public Library 2024 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan

The Greater Victoria Public Library Board respectfully submits its 2024 Operating Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan for 2024-2028. As per the terms of the Library Operating Agreement, approval by council resolution is required by May 1, 2024.

The overall system-wide municipal contribution amount increase requested for 2024 is 5.99%.

The Town of View Royal’s share of the 2024 requisition, based on converted assessment values and population of your municipality, including rental adjustment, is $645,225. A detailed breakdown of each member municipality’s individual contribution, including per capita increases for your municipality is provided on pages 4 and 5 of the budget package attached. Budget drivers include salaries and benefits, library materials, building occupancy costs and other factors which are described in the attached 2024 budget notes.

GVPL’s libraries are vibrant community hubs that not only provide access to resources and learning that residents are seeking, but also foster connection, belonging, and empowerment. Serving ten municipalities and 369,756 citizens, we deliver library services at our twelve branch locations, online and through community outreach initiatives. We are committed to working with our municipal and community partners to deliver responsive library services to support informed and inclusive communities. This is reflected in the GVPL’s 2021-2023 Strategic Bridging Plan, and GVPL Annual Report 2022.

Thank you for your support as we work together to build strong and vibrant communities.

Sincerely,

Andrew Appleton Board Chair

Maureen Sawa CEO

cc: Sarah Johnson, Deputy CAO, Town of View Royal Dawn Christenson, Director of Finance & Technology, Town of View Royal Paul McKinnon, Director, Finance & Facilities, Greater Victoria Public Library