(File Photo/paNOW staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Budget Talks

Budget talks: P.A. library in need of funding to continue services at current level

Nov 2, 2021 | 10:16 AM

The Prince Albert Public Library needs around $65,000 to continue offering services at its current level.

That’s according to Alex Juorio, Director of Library Services, who gave a budget presentation to the city’s council on November 1.

Their ask for 2022 is over $2.19 million which would be a three per cent rise from this year’s funding and below the roughly four per cent inflation rate.

If the increase is approved, $50,000 of the approximately $65,000 would cover costs to upgrade and repair their lower floor which contains their theatre, meeting rooms, public washrooms, and a compact storage area

The remaining would help with increased staff benefit premiums, negotiated salaries, and the creation of a Community Outreach Librarian position which would help them increase their hours at the Bernice Sayese Centre location, hold programs on and off-site and improve their social media presence.

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Juorio told paNOW without the funds they would most likely need to cut back on new material such as books.

“It’s like retail, you have to come in and find something you haven’t read before, so we have to weed older, unused books and replace them with newer things.”

If cutting material costs doesn’t cover the increased budget, the library may have to consider offering fewer services and programs.

However, Juorio understands their ask isn’t a given as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to force cities across the country to cut back on their spending.

“I think the important thing is to focus on the money the city does give us because they’ve been a solid supporter for many years.”

Meanwhile, no funding has been approved at this time.

The organizations that spoke on November 1, which included the Community Service Centre, Prince Albert Historical Society, Prince Albert Arts Board, and Mann Art Gallery, were able to share their wants and needs ahead of the scheduled budget talks.

Councillor Tony Head noted these five organizations provide great services to the community so having a little more background before diving into the numbers isn’t a bad thing.

“The range in asks is huge, millions down to smaller asks. Having a chance to sit down or at least hear from the groups is important.”

P.A.’s council is scheduled to meet seven times in November and early December where they’ll look to finalize the budget.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow