Correspondence from Greater Victoria Public Library re: 2016 Budget

GREATER VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY

October 28, 2015

His Worship Mayor Screech and Council Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria, BC V9B 1A6

Dear Mayor Screech and Council,

Re: 2016 Budget and Five Year Financial Plan – PROVISIONAL

The Greater Victoria Public Library respectfully submits its Provisional 2016 Operating Budget and Five Year Financial Plan for 2016-2020 for receipt by Council.

In accordance with the Library Operating Agreement, we will submit a final budget by March 31, 2016 and will seek Council approval by resolution by May 1, 2016. We are seeking feedback or any recommended amendments by December 15, 2015.

Library usage in our community continues to grow. GVPL is ranked as one of the highest per capita circulating libraries in Canada, and we are experiencing increasingly heavy use of our public spaces. We remain committed to service excellence that is made affordable through staff resourcefulness, service innovations and community partnerships.

The provisional operating budget increase for 2016 is projected to be 2.49%, net of all revenue-neutral transfers. Please refer to the enclosed budget briefing notes for more information on revenue and expenditure changes.

The municipal contribution increase for the library system is 2.76%. Each municipality’s respective share is outlined in the enclosed Municipal Contributions document and is subject to change once property assessment values are received.

We look forward to your comments and feedback at this stage of the budget development process, and thank you for your ongoing support of the vital role public libraries play in our communities.

Sincerely,

Kevin Murdoch Chair, Greater Victoria Public Library Board

Enclosures

Copies: Kim Anema, CAO; Town of View Royal Monique Watson, Senior Accountant, Town of View Royal Maureen Sawa, CEO, Greater Victoria Public Library Donna Phillips, Director of Finance and Facilities, Greater Victoria Public Library