The library board and director are in the process of submitting a long-term budget for approval. The budget covers wages and book purchases. Based on historical data, costs are going to skyrocket.
From 2000 to 2016, operating costs increased from $1.21 million per year to $4.09 million per year. More than triple. For books and wages. During a recession.
From 2016 to 2025, the operating costs for the existing library will almost triple again, from $4.09 million to $10.27 million. This represents a compounded annual increase of over 8.45% based on historical data. For books and wages. During a recession.
We have already discussed the merits of another library, given that the 30 schools in St. Albert have libraries, paid for by the education tax on property owners; that we belong to the metro book-sharing program; the availability and surging popularity of e-readers; and given that the survey conducted by the city seeking approval from residents to build another library was more than tainted.
But this is different. Now we are talking about the skyrocketing operating costs. We need new sources of revenue to support the library. Servus Place memberships cost approximately $40 per month; swimming pools have user fees for lessons and drop-in rates; and arenas charge user fees. Just ask parents of hockey, ringette or figure skating how much it costs to use these facilities.
Why can't the residents, and non-residents, that use the library and lobbied for the second one, at least pay the operating costs? Why are these costs always being downloaded onto taxpayers who don't use the facilities? The proposed operating budget could increase property taxes $300 to $500 per year.
But guess what? The real kicker is that the library board is also recommending that existing membership fees be cancelled, downloading more costs to taxpayers.
Norm Harley, St. Albert
