Demand, inflation force library budget increase proposal

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Sep 25, 2016 at 1:00 AM— updated Sep 25, 2016 at 6:55 AM

Increased demand for library services are putting pressure on the ORL’s wallet. The Okanagan Regional Library Board directors have reviewed the proposed budget for 2017 as well as progress on the library system’s strategic plan and coming priorities. Finance Committee Chair Lori Mindnich, the ORL rep from Lumby council, presented a budget for the coming year that would include a 1.98 per cent increase to the 2016 operating budget of $18.3 million, consisting primarily of inflationary expenses (1.6 per cent), with roughly $70,000 (or 0.38 per cent) of new initiatives. Mindnich explained that the goals of the finance committee were to continue to keep the overall budget affordable with current inflation levels, while focusing any changes on strategic items outlined in the ORL’s Strategic Plan and maintaining critical core services. CEO Stephanie Hall adds: “New dollars target the increasing demand for library programming, learning initiatives, and outreach, and training for staff to assist the public with the sweeping technology changes present today. “In 2015, the ORL saw a 20 per cent increase in attendance at classes and programs, with adult attendance doubling.” The board will vote on the 2017 budget at their November meeting.

ORL staff also reported on implementation of the newly-adopted Strategic Plan which is focused on transforming the library to meet the changing learning needs of Southern Interior residents. Highlighted reports included a review of the ORL’s Information Technology infrastructure, which is facing a number of challenges. Demand for bandwidth and Wi-Fi access continues to increase, with free hours used at 57 Wi-Fi hotspots increasing from 160,000 hours in 2014 to 341,000 hours in 2015. Also highlighted were the Master Plan for the downtown Kelowna branch’s revitalization and new targeted services available to members with print disabilities. The ORL can provide free home delivery and download of materials for the blind, for people with learning disabilities, and for those who can’t physically contend with standard print materials.In addition, with the help of the Central Okanagan Foundation, the ORL recently launched a pilot to loan out tablets preloaded with these special materials. It is estimated that 10 per cent of the Canadian population has impairments reading traditional print formats and many in the public aren’t aware of free services available to them through the library.
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Don Quixote Note: The 2016  Residential Vernon Library mill rate was .18380 per 1000 of assessed value. This will increase to .18744 in 2017.  My personal bill will increase rom $95.21 to $97.10 assuming no change in my property assessment .

In Coldstream the 2016  Residential Vernon Library mill rate was .1874 per 1000 of assessed value. This will increase to .1911 in 2017.

Rural areas consider funding for library

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted May 6, 2016 at 8:00 AM

Rural politicians want to keep Vernon’s library open Sundays but the cash must be found. Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, and Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, are considering a request from the City of Vernon to assist with Sunday hours at the Okanagan Regional Library branch from October to April. “We are looking at how we may do it but we don’t have a funding service place,” said Fleming. “I think the library service is a good one and Sunday openings are worthwhile.” ORL had insufficient financial resources to keep the branch operating for four hours Sundays so the city took over the payment in 2015 and has decided to do so in 2016. But because the branch is also used by residents of Coldstream and the two electoral areas, the city is asking those jurisdictions to contribute. Coldstream recently agreed to provide $3,255 for 2016. The city asked for $5,417 from the two Greater Vernon electoral areas as well as the electoral areas in Cherryville, rural Lumby and Enderby. However, it’s unlikely there will be funding from the non-Greater Vernon electoral areas. “Each of those already has a community library that they support,” said Fleming, who says BX-Swan Lake and BX-Silver Star could possibly pick up the entire $5,417. “It’s not a massive amount of money to extend the service.”

Coldstream helps keep library open

by Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 17, 2016 at 1:00 AM
Residents will continue to have an opportunity to pick up a good book on Sundays. The Okanagan Regional Library Vernon branch continues to be supported by local funds to keep the doors open for four hours on Sundays October through April. “The problem is our readership is so high for this area,” said Coldstream. Coun. Gyula Kiss, also an ORL board member. “But they don’t get enough money for this area.” As a result, the region pitches in $21,420 to keep it open on Sundays, which is a popular day for families and working individuals to visit the library. For 2016, Vernon contributes $12,732, Coldstream will pitch in $3,255 and the electoral areas provide $5,417. But considering the request for funds is becoming an annual occurrence, Coldstream is asking the ORL if it can incorporate the request into its annual budget. “If it comes year after year for the same thing, just incorporate it into your annual operating,” said Coun. Peter McClean.

Library Board Sets Priorities

Posted on 2/17/2016 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
A Vernon politician will lead the Okanagan Regional Library Board for another year. Catherine Lord was re-elected as the chair during meetings this week. Lord says the board has approved a new strategic plan prioritizing learning, innovation and community partnerships. Library staff say while circulation of print materials in the library system declined by 2.6% last year, usage of electronic materials was up 20%. "Participation in children’s programs were up 12% over the previous year and attendance at programs geared towards adult audiences more than doubled," reads and ORL news release.. Lord says another success from 2015 was the opening of the new library branch in Summerland. "While the building has only been open 4 months, statistics already indicate visits to the branch are up over 10%." Lori Mindnich, a councillor from Lumby, will act as the board's Vice Chair, and will also chair the Finance Committee.

The board's new strategic plan was developed over the past year in collaboration with staff, public feedback, and research on national and international trends in library service.
The plan solidifies the mission for the ORL as “Connecting Curious Minds” and outlines four key themes for the library’s focus in coming years:
1. Our library advances learning, creativity and imagination
2. Our library is an integral part of life in our diverse communities
3. Our library branches are innovative, inviting and reflect our communities
4. Our library is focused on customer service, staffed by learners confident in their abilities.

Staff are already rolling out an operational plan for 2016 to move towards these goals.

Library board approves budget increase

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Oct 23, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Okanagan Regional Library’s 2016 financial process is wrapped up. Directors met Wednesday and agreed to a 1.98 per cent increase in the budget. “We are now including replacement of equipment and furniture in the capital budget,” said director Catherine Lord. “For operations, this will be a big improvement.” Individual communities will continue to be responsible for purchasing new furniture for their branches, but any existing items that need to be replaced will be covered by ORL’s collective tax base. “It creates an easier process to get equipment and not keep bothering everybody,” said director Mike Macnabb. One of the challenges has been the inability of electoral areas to individually fund furniture through regional districts for ORL’s 29 individual branches. The 1.98 per cent budget increase is largely a result of inflationary pressures, including wages and higher rent for branch sites, utility costs and book purchases.
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Vernon Library Furnishings Reserve Balance Jan. 2015  $88,086  (p.57)

Library budget increases

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Sep 20, 2015 at 1:00 AM
A slight increase in taxation is likely for the region’s library system. Okanagan Regional Library directors have been presented with the 2016 draft budget, including a 1.98 per cent increase in the financial plan. “The majority of the expense is wages so there’s cost of living involved,” said director Mike Macnabb. The hike also reflects higher rent for branch sites, higher utility costs and rising book and eResource expenses based on inflation and the lower Canadian dollar. The budget also covers the possibility of moving furniture purchases into the regular ORL levy. Currently, these are funded by municipalities in a separate process. “Regional districts have no mechanism for furnishings so there’s a suggestion it be a budget line item and it come from (ORL) taxation,” said Macnabb. “We have to make sure it’s not a slush fund.” Directors have asked staff for clarification about how such a policy would work. The 2016 budget will not be finalized until November. “We still have some tweaking to do,” said Macnabb. Okanagan Regional Library is also entering into a strategic planning session to determine the future of libraries and what services residents will expect. Public input will be sought about long-term library services and it’s expected the strategic plan will be completed by February.
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Library Furnishings Reserve Balance Jan. 2015  88,086  (p.57)

Funds uncertain.

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 22, 2015 at 1:00
AMIt’s not known if Greater Vernon’s electoral areas will help keep the library open Sunday. The City of Vernon recently agreed to spend $21,000 so the Okanagan Regional Library’s Vernon branch can stay open Sundays from October to April. Coldstream agreed to provide $3,780, but the Regional District of North Okanagan says it doesn’t have a funding mechanism that would allow it to contribute $3,570. “My discretionary fund is not sufficient and I’ve committed to support other things,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. The issue will be reviewed further. “I hope in future, they establish a mechanism to give money to the Vernon library, which serves the whole area,” said Bob Spiers, a Vernon director.
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Coldstream backs Sunday library

by Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 15, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Coldstream is adding to the cause to keep the Vernon library open Sundays. The district will contribute $3,780 towards the City of Vernon’s effort to keep the local Okanagan Regional Library branch open Sunday – four hours per day between October 2014 and April 2016. Coun. Peter McClean would have liked to have seen more consideration go into the subject, in both regions. “Is there another time when the library is not well utilized that would offset that increase?” McClean questions, as he felt the approach was inappropriate. “It was a snap decision and it wasn’t really given any consideration, even at the City of Vernon.”

Water woes
Dissatisfaction continues to flow from Coldstream over the region’s water plan, or lack thereof. “This is not going in the right direction,” said Coun. Gyula Kiss of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee’s recommended two per cent rate hike, the majority of which will go into reserves. “Always the current taxpayers are paying for stuff for the future. “We are trying to go around the back way to finance it some other way.” Meanwhile there is frustration among others over a lack of information, which is becoming a tradition at budget time. “Hasn’t there been a request for several years to have information available before the process?” asked Coun. Pat Cochrane, pointing out that municipalities are busy discussing budgets in December and have all the necessary staff reports and information to them. “I don’t understand why they seem to operate on a different timeline than the rest of us.” Coun. Doug Dirk, a GVAC director, says there is reasoning for the delay. “The process is more complex because they have to wait for Vernon, but that’s not a defence.” Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick says GVAC is looking at a more transparent plan, “so we can see where it is going.”

Vernon pushes for library cash

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jan 23, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Vernon’s neighbours have been put on notice. City representatives used Wednesday’s Regional District of North Okanagan meeting to let Coldstream and Areas B and C know they are being asked to contribute funds to keep the Vernon library open Sundays. “Their residents also benefit from the library,” said Catherine Lord, a city director. Vernon council recently added $21,000 to the 2015 municipal budget to keep the Okanagan Regional Library’s Vernon branch open Sundays. ORL was considering closing the branch Sundays (it is open four hours that day from October to April) to bring the branch’s services in alignment with the taxes the community contributes to operations. Juliette Cunningham, a Vernon director, believes it’s appropriate for the city to seek support from Coldstream and the electoral areas. “We’ve done the same for library furniture and Coldstream has pitched in before,” she said. No commitments were made by the other jurisdictions Wednesday. “I will certainly consider it. How much I can give is the issue,” said Mike Macnabb, Area C director. A recent ORL study showed there was a $371,000 difference between the services provided and the taxation Vernon provides for operations. ORL hopes to recoup $78,000 through changes to staffing, although much of that may occur through attrition (retirement). Macnabb isn’t convinced that linking taxation to services received should be ORL’s only consideration when operating a branch. “Vernon is consistently the highest circulating branch in the entire system,” he said.

New library on the way

by Bill Everitt CASTANET - Sep 17, 2014 / 8:28 pm

Photo: Bill Everitt

Photo: Bill Everitt

Ground broke today on a new library that will establish a permanent foothold for the Okanagan Regional Library in Summerland. The ORL has been planning an expansion in the District of Summerland for more than 10 years. Today those dreams finally came to realization. The new building will cost about $3.2 million to build, plus the cost of purchasing the land. It is totally funded by ORL membership. ORL communications director Michele Rule said the new building is all about space. "We have an awesome staff, a great collection and really wonderful programs going on, but not enough space in the current library - this new branch is double the size." Rule said that the existing building has been below ORL standards for library-to-community size for a long time. The hold up was lining up the land, finances and partnerships to get it built. "This library will be built and paid for by the Okanagan Regional Library. It's a standalone building but it's here to serve the citizens of Summerland," she said. "We're thrilled, they've been coming out and helping with the design process and I think we're going to end up with a building that really meets the community needs." The new building will have a much bigger meeting area, will feature a lot of glass work and will have a large reader's terrace. Summerland Mayor Janice Perrino said this is very big news for Summerland, even if she won't be mayor when it opens. "For me, the important piece was that we got to today, because it's taken so long to get here," she said. "I just couldn't believe it, I was saying 'really? is this really a done deal? It's great." Diana Bennest is a regular user of the library in Summerland and said the new building was absolutely needed. "I think it's a great idea," she said. "Especially with the location, being right across from the pool. It's going to double our capacity, so more books. Also, the staff needs a coffee room and storage." Rule said they're fast tracking the construction process and hope to be opening the doors in May or June of 2015.

Summerland will get its new library

FRIDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2014 02:00 AARON D. MCCLELLAND Penticton Herald
SUMMERLAND - The location of Summerland's new library was announced during a Thursday afternoon press conference on the library's future site at the corner of Kelly Avenue and Main Street. The proposed 743-square-metre library will be built where Giants Head Automotive and the Summerland Art Gallery now stand. Those properties, once combined, will be 2,137 square metres, with surface parking and easy access.  Past Okanagan Regional Library chair Carol Zanon introduced the incoming chair, Catherine Lord, who was elected to her position on Wednesday. "We hope to start construction in 2014 and have completion in 2015," said Lord. "Libraries are changing, and this is an opportunity to design a library that is responsive to the community's evolving needs."Mayor Janice Perrino said they hope to break ground in August. "When I was elected, the first thing I heard was that our library was half the size it needed to be," Perrino said, going on to thank the library staff, the Friends of the Library, the ORL board and her council for making it a reality. Perrino gave special thanks to Coun. Peter Waterman, who has worked tirelessly since 2005 to find the library a new home. The cost of the library, which will sit across the street from Summerland Secondary School and the recreation centre, is estimated at $3.2 million. A spokesman for Giants Head Automotive said the municipality has not talked to him about a timeline, nor where, or even if, the repair shop could be relocated. The art gallery, next door, shares the same concerns. David Finnis of the Summerland Community Arts Council said he is working with the municipality on a plan that would see the art gallery move into the old library building on Wharton Street, but no solid plans have been made for the transition. The pottery guild that currently occupies the basement of the art gallery also will need to find a temporary home after its building is demolished. "The months ahead will be challenging as we make the move from our home of 16 years to a new interim facility," Finnis said, adding that the art gallery may find a temporary home in a vacant building on Main Street near Victoria until the old building is ready. Perrino vowed to work closely with everyone affected to ensure their needs are met during the construction phase. "Council is very supportive of this project," she said. "The new branch will enhance the downtown core and provide better library service for the citizens of Summerland."

North Okanagan politicians take reins of library board

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 20, 2014 at 6:00 AM
Governance of the valley's library services is distinctly North Okanagan. Catherine Lord, a Vernon councillor, was elected Okanagan Regional Library chairperson Wednesday, while Coldstream Coun. Maria Besso is vice-chairperson. Lori Mindnich, a Lumby councillor, has been selected as chairperson of the finance committee. Lord says the organization, which covers from Princeton to Golden, has a number of issues to pursue. "We have a strategic plan that we're following and there's a financial model," she said. "We want to even out what communities put into the service (finally) and what services they get out." On top of this, ORL is attempting to keep up with technological advances such as ebooks. "We will always have physical books but libraries are looking at where they are going," said Lord. ORL directors have been told that the Vernon branch may reopen to patrons Monday. The branch has been closed, except for book returns and hold pick-ups, since a burst pipe cause flooding Feb. 10. If the facility opens Monday, it's expected the children's area will be relocated to the second floor because repairs are still being done to the main floor. At least $50,000 in damages were caused by the flood, and ORL has a $2,500 insurance deductible.

Library Closed Due To Flood

Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 11 February 2014 10:20

Vernon's year and a half old regional library branch is closed until further notice after a water line broke Sunday night. Spokesperson Michelle Rule says they aren't sure just how much damage has been done, but they are insured. She says it's possible some books may have been lost, "because the pipe burst in the area where the book returns are, and so there could have been books in the area that had damage, mostly we're looking at damage, obviously, to carpets and possibly some furniture." Rule says they have no idea at this point how the pipe burst, but the closure could be a week or more. Anyone with books out now are asked to keep them until the repairs are complete.

Summerland development ceased

By Wayne Moore - Kelowna - CASTANET Sep 24, 2013 / 2:35 pm
What was trumpeted just a year ago as an exciting new development that would help revitalize downtown Summerland has fallen by the wayside. The municipality stated Tuesday the Wharton Street multi-use development project has ceased. In a press release early Tuesday afternoon, the municipality said it had 'regrettably canceled the development contract with the proponents.' The Purchase and Sale agreement with the developers had expired and, due to unforeseen health issues of the owner, there are no plans to renew the agreement. The municipality announced in Aug, 2012, it had reached agreement for sale and development of municipal land at Wharton Street and Kelly Avenue to Kelowna businessman Dan Nonis. The development was to have included four buildings that would house commercial space on the first two floors and residential space on the upper three. The development was to have included a new museum, library and cultural space. "The district is disappointed we will not be continuing with the development due to unfortunate circumstances," says acting mayor, Marty Van Alphen. "We wish the owner a speedy recovery." Summerland council has acknowledged the library is in need of a new home and is committed to working with the Okanagan Regional Library Board to find a suitable location. The municipality will also be considering other options for the Wharton Street area over the next few months.
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Also see from 2008:  http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2008/01/summerland-cultural-complex-including.html  (Pictures from 2008)
Wharton Street Re Development Summerland

Library under review

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 09, 2013 1:00 AM

Library services, and the impact on taxpayers, could come under increased scrutiny.The Regional District of North Okanagan board has been told that Okanagan Regional Library is considering a value for money audit.“Are we getting out what we put in?” said Stephanie Hall, ORL executive director.Along with this, ORL is trying to improve communications with its 25 member jurisdictions, which range from Princeton to Golden.“It’s a strategy we felt was a good idea because Stephanie is new to the position,” said Mike MacNabb, RDNO’s director to ORL.Hall believes it is important for her to meet face-to-face with municipal councils and regional district boards.“We want to be more dialed in to what’s important,” she said.“We can be more responsive to (community) needs but only if we know what they are.”Another area Hall wants to focus on is demographics and who is usinglibraries.“I don’t have something that tells me what’s happening with children, what’s happening with seniors or what’s happening with families,” she said.

Coldstream funds branch furnishings

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 01, 2013 1:00 AM
Coldstream is making a neighbourly gesture to help Vernon with some costs associated with the new Okanagan Regional Library. The district was asked to pitch in $86,044 to help the city pay for the new library furnishings. Coldstream has agreed to pitch in $48,987 – the amount it currently has saved in its library operating reserve. While it is not the amount asked for, several Coldstream politicians suggest Area B and C should contribute funds to assist with the costs. “It was always expected that Vernon, Coldstream and Areas B and C would contribute equally based on their population,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane. “It’s our library as well.” Mayor Jim Garlick points out that there is no requirement for any jurisdiction other than Vernon to contribute, even though each of the area residents use and have access to the library. “The City of Vernon asked for more but they never included the electoral areas in their calculation,” said Garlick. Vernon has since put in a request for Areas B and C to contribute.
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 City of Vernon wants library bucks
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 01, 2013 1:00 AM
Vernon politicians are urging their regional colleagues to chip in for the library.  City council will ask Areas B and C to contribute funds towards furnishings for the Okanagan Regional Library branch. “We should get some of our money back and save the taxpayers of Vernon money,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. Because the library is located in Vernon, the city is wholly responsible for the $430,200 cost of furnishings, including tables and shelves. That’s despite the fact that the branch is also the  main library for Coldstream, Area B and Area C residents. “There is no requirement for another area to contribute by law,” said Spiers. However, council decided to ask the electoral areas to voluntarily participate. “We just need to explain where we are with the matter and give them the opportunity,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. Bob Fleming, Area B director, believes the city’s request for funding is legitimate. “It makes sense given residents from my area use the library,” he said. “It’s unfair to burden City of Vernon residents as all residents of Greater Vernon use it.” Fleming admits, though, that his challenge is determining a source of funds for furniture. “The regional district budget is in the latter stages of being completed and that particular item has not been addressed in there,” he said.

Coldstream Agenda Highlights Monday

Agenda package Coldstream Monday February 25, 2013 

Highlights:

          2.a. Canadian Award for Financial Reporting   Letter from the Government Finance Officers Association dated January 7, 2013   Presentation to the Director of Financial Administration, Trevor Seibel

0. 2.b. Vernon/North Okanagan Detachment RCMP 4th Quarter Report
 Report from the Superintendent dated January 15, 2013

7.a. Request for Funding - Furnishings for the Vernon Public Library
 Report from the Director of Financial Administration dated February 13, 2013 

Library Furnishings Report.pdf P.51-52

Recommendation
THAT Council direct staff to provide $48,987.59 to the City of Vernon to assist with the furnishings of the new Vernon Library, with funding to come from the Library Operating Reserve. 
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Don Quixote Note: Of the $430,220.97 bill for Furnishings and equipment at New Vernon Library, Coldstream has been asked for $86,044.19. 

Okanagan Regional Library hires new administrator

By Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 03, 2012 10:00 AM

There's a new senior administrator for Okanagan Regional Library.  Stephanie Hall has been hired as executive director, replacing Lesley Dieno who is retiring this month after 25 years. “I’m really looking forward to working with the board and staff of Okanagan Regional Library," said Hall, who is currently the director of public library planning with the Province of Saskatchewan. "It’s a well-managed organization, and that makes it a great platform for launching new initiatives. I’m interested to learn about what matters most to Okanagan communities about reading, lifelong learning, and libraries, and eager to start work on those priorities. Hall will assume her new role Feb. 1.

Coldstream considers cutting staff overtime costs

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 28, 2012 1:00 AM
A white Christmas could rack up some significant costs for Coldstream taxpayers.  The district office will be closed Dec. 22 and is re-opening Jan. 2. But that also means the public works department will be closed. Therefore if crews are needed to plow snow, they will be paid double time. “That’s 13 days, in the middle of winter and if there’s a snow storm we’d have to pay overtime,” said Coun. Maria Besso. Coun. Pat Cochrane adds: “That doesn’t seem fair to the taxpayer.” If the office remained open, staff would only be paid double time for statutory holidays and any extra hours worked. Therefore the district is looking into what, if any, cost savings there might be to keep the office open, or possibly just the public works department, over Christmas break. Effectively, there are four days in between the weekends and stat holidays that are being looked at.
Library taxing
It’s becoming quite taxing to operate the local library, says one Coldstream councillor. The Okanagan Regional Library has come up with a 3.35 per cent tax increase for 2012 (worth approximately $538,000). In this digital age, Coun. Peter McClean questions the need for increases at the library. “The library is the one entity that year, after year, after year they bring up and get an increase,” said McClean. “It’s always there, there’s always an increase, while the rest of us are containing it.” Coun. Maria Besso, ORL board member, defends the library’s budget. “Part of the increase includes the growth of the region because it’s quite a large region,” said Besso of the 370,000 residents served between Osoyoos to Golden (29 branches) – the third largest in the province. “While the absolute dollar figures might be up we’ve also increased the number of households that are being taxed and served.” Still, McClean questions how many people actually use the library. “What’s the actual usage? What’s that increase giving us?” Besso points out that Vernon has some of the highest usage. “We actually have the highest circulation.”
Mission pockets politician’s pay
Coldstream politicians are supporting the Upper Room Mission straight out of their own expenses. The district is providing the mission with $1,116, which will come from council expenses. The funds are Coldstream’s portion of a $9,200 grant through the Regional District of North Okanagan. That is the amount of a fee the Upper Room Mission wants waived for a water main upgrade to its facility, which provides meals and programs to people in need. Individual jurisdictions are being asked to provide funds because RDNO does not have the ability to provide grants.

Okanagan Regional Library budget impacts taxpayers

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 21, 2012 1:00 AM
It’s going to cost more to operate libraries. The Okanagan Regional Library board adopted a $16.6 million budget for 2013 Wednesday, a 3.35 per cent increase, or $538,103, over this year. “It was a big struggle to get the budget approved,” said Mike Macnabb, a director from the Regional District of North Okanagan. “Some wanted zero per cent and I’m not sure we could have provided services with that.” The finance committee originally recommended a 3.7 per cent increase in the budget, but some adjustments were made to get to 3.35 per cent. “Any cuts more than that would affect services. Nobody wanted to cut services,” said Catherine Lord, a director from Vernon. Much of the hike is directly related to employee salaries, including a new contract with the Canadian Union of Public Employees. Looking at the impact on Vernon taxpayers, Lord says she is satisfied the budget is not too onerous. “The increase is about $1.35 per person. I felt we could live with that,” she said. “There are tough times out there but costs are going up.” An additional $4,000 in taxes will be coming from Armstrong as a result of the ORL budget. “They (board) did as good as they could but it’s still pretty high,” said Ron O’Sullivan, Armstrong’s voice at ORL. “I would have liked it to be a little lower.” The 2013 budget includes $130,000 for the collection, including both books and web-based material. One new Internet technician position will be added and reserve funds will be used in 2013 for replacing ORL’s telephone system and replacing software. There is also $10,000 for training staff to deal with new technology.
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Don Quixote Note: The 2012  library rate was .17585 per $1000 ASSESSMENT. A $300,000 property would have paid $35.17.  The average increase of 3.35% would brink this up to $36.34 for this property. This calculation would vary dependent on how much VERNON's increase is above or below the 3.35% average.