Title
10:30 a.m. Appointment- Yellowhead Regional Library Municipal Levy Increases
Presenter: Jocie Wilson, Deputy Director
Proposed Motions
1. That Council accept the Yellowhead Regional Library presentation for information, as presented.
2. That Council approve a Municipal Levy increase for the Yellowhead Regional Library in the amount of $24,153.75 to be included in the 2027 Budget, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
Yellowhead Regional Library (YRL) delivers comprehensive services across 54 municipalities and three school divisions. YRL serves approximately 301,000 residents through 44 public libraries and 42 school libraries. The services offered represent a significant investment by member municipalities and school divisions, and deliver measurable and meaningful community impact.
Summary
From 2008 to 2019, the Yellowhead Regional Library Board maintained a freeze on municipal library funding despite rising operating costs and increasing service demands. During this period, the local appropriation rate remained unchanged. Since 2019, modest annual increases of approximately 2% have been implemented; however, these adjustments have primarily offset inflationary pressures rather than addressing the broader funding gap. In response to ongoing financial pressures, Yellowhead Regional Library Administration has requested that the Board consider a $0.75 per capita increase, raising the municipal contribution rate from $4.85 to $5.60 per capita.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Complete Communities - We recognize the diversity of Parkland County's communities, while fostering a unified and shared vision for Parkland as a whole.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $24,153.75
Source of Funding: 2027 Budget
Other: