Okanagan Regional Library approves 2021 budget

Despite challenges and lost revenue from COVID-19 the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) system is in a reasonable financial state headed into 2021.

The ORL board approved an $18,409,755 budget Tuesday, an increase of $137,469, or just 0.75 per cent.

“The board felt it was a good balance considering the challenges that taxpayers have been facing due to COVID,” Don Nettleton CEO said.

The system saved $445,000 earlier in the year from reduced opening hours and layoffs, but lost over $100,000 in fines, damage and replacement costs, and meeting room rentals. It is expected those costs will be ongoing into 2021, but any savings have now ceased. Contract janitorial services are being increased at one third of the branches to align with the B.C. Center for Disease Control recommendations. The increased janitorial service is expected to cost upwards of $5,000 per month.

“Physical circulation year over year for October has rebounded somewhat to 81 per cent,” Nettleton said. “Virtual and online not surprisingly is up by 20 to 25 per cent across the system.”

Local government funding will keep the Vernon branch open Sunday’s from October through March next year. The ORL board voted to keep several branches open Sunday’s during the fall and winter months several years ago, but funding for the Vernon branch is on a year-by-year basis, and local politicians wanted to be sure the expenditure was still warranted during the pandemic.

“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the system added many new users and if the economy does not improve, or worsens, we may find even more of our residents looking to save money on leisure, entertainment and educational activities for themselves and their families, and may turn to free-to-use resources such as what the library system offers,” Jeremy Sundin, ORL Chief Financial Officer said.

Long serving board chair Karla Kozakevich, representing the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, will be stepping down after serving in the role for eight years, the maximum allowed by ORL policy. A new chairperson will be elected at the board’s February 2021 meeting.

ORL operates 31 branches from Golden to Princeton, excluding Penticton, and employs over 200 people.