3.4% increase approved for library tax levy

Rachelle Stein-Wotten

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder

Vancouver Island Regional Library’s board of trustees have approved a 2024 budget that includes an average 3.4 per cent increase in the tax levy across the region.

The board passed the $34 million annual budget at its Sept. 16 meeting. Local government levies from the 38 members make up around 95 per cent of revenues.

The total member levy for Regional District of Nanaimo electoral areas is set to increase by 4 per cent over last year. Including capital levies, the seven electoral areas will contribute $3.3 million to the budget. The overall increase is less than what occurred in 2023, which was 9.89 per cent over 2022.

“The 2024 budget commits to operating continuity and maintains major capital commitments,” Board Chair Erin Hemmens said via press release. “This budget also reflects VIRL’s new vision – a thriving, connected, cohesive and empowered region of Island and coastal communities.”

VIRL’s new five-year strategic plan is set to be released next month.

Expenditures in the budget integrate an inflation rate of 4 per cent. Operation of library facilities will account for 18 per cent of expenses versus 20 per cent in 2023.

The majority of VIRL’s branches are leased spaces. Lease fees for facilities are budgeted at approximately $2.3 million. VIRL expects utilities and other facilities related costs such as security, landscaping, janitorial and telecommunications to rise by more than inflation in 2024.

The library system reduced its staffing complement by 3.7 full-time equivalent positions for this budget, including unionized and non-unionized positions. While the change is equal to an 8 per cent reduction in wages and benefits, the cost of benefits for all employees in 2024 is expected to rise 5 per cent.