Okanagan Regional Library Board Highlights This week’s meeting

2014 Budget

The Board approved the 2014 Budget as presented by the Finance Committee. The overall increase for 2014 will be 1.62%, which amounts to less than 75 cents per capita. The increase is due to inflation and some small initiatives such as increased programming.

Financial Allocation Model Analysis (Value for Money Study)

The Board received the report on the Financial Allocation Model Analysis that was conducted by independent auditing firm Grant Thornton.

This analysis was commissioned by the board to look at the correlation between levies in and service expenditures allocated to member jurisdictions under current board policies. The report confirms that the ORL is efficient and that the service population allocation model is fair. As expected, the report also shows some areas where adjustment may be necessary to balance the financial input for service.

The Board has requested that a simple version of the report be generated annually by the Finance Manager to guide and support decision-making. The Board will establish high level parameters for the management team to generally align area service expenditures with revenue, allowing for some flexibility and emergent situations and adjust its policies and guidelines as required.

The core values of the ORL will form the ethical underpinning of any adjustment strategy.  These are equitable access, concern for staff, communication and respect, service to patrons, intellectual freedom and fiscal responsibility.

Summerland New Branch Report

The Board received a report from the Summerland Ad Hoc Committee about the latest developments in the possible construction of a new Summerland Branch. The Committee reported that unfortunately the Wharton Street Development proposal is no longer moving forward. The Committee received a letter from the District of Summerland outlining their interest in continuing to work with the Okanagan Regional Library on the development of a new branch. A response letter will be sent to Summerland Council indicating the Board’s interest in continuing discussions.

Executive Director’s Report

Stephanie Hall reported to the Board about a new initiative that will be kicking off in November at many of the branches called “TakeOut Surprise”. Patrons will come into the branch and pick up a bag of books that staff has put together on a theme and be “surprised” with the choices when they get home. The cost of this initiative was covered by funds provided by the Friends of the Library.