UPDATE: FRPL submission to Executive Committee meeting of Feb. 5, 2025
FRPL to Exec Ctte re RPL budget Feb 3, 2025 – Final
Feb. 2, 2025 : The Regina Public Library budget for 2025 has been released
It will be discussed at the City Council Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday, February 5th at 9 am
Register Monday Feb. 3rd by12 noon to speak. Also send in written presentation / letters by then to have them included in the meeting notes, even if you do not wish to speak.
City Committee meetings list with Agendas – scroll down to the Feb 5 date.
https://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/Calendar.aspx
For Library Budget see pages 48 to 75 of Agenda Packet for Executive Committee meeting on Feb 5.
To present to City Council/Committee regarding an agenda item, you must submit a request by completing the online form or calling 306-777-7262 for assistance with your registration request. See details at https://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/Calendar.aspx
Written submissions helpful but not required at Executive Committee.
Final Library Budget Approval in March
Other presentations can be made at Council in March. But saying something now influences the decisions.
Budget discussions in March will be held between the 17th and 19th, date for Library budget discussion to be confirmed. Advance notice with a written submission will be required to make a presentation.
Library budget is very informative, mostly a discussion of goals, recent achievements, and hopes for the year ahead. Plus some budget information tables.
But needs to be read to see what they are hoping to do, what they are leaving out, what you agree with. Contains a discussion of “Central Renewal”.
RPL is asking for an increase in its mill rate of 4.58 %, PLUS an addition 5.5 % each year over 5 years to add to funds for “Central Renewal”.
City Council cannot change details of the budget. BUT Council has control in that it can approve or disapprove the increase in the mill rate, or any part thereof, requested by the Library. Council can ask to have the mill rate reduced, or have it increased if Council feels it is not adequate to meet needed expenses. (This is what happened in 2004 when the RPL was asked to increase its budget request to avoid library branch closures.) But Council can ask questions at the meetings and have discussions behind the scenes with the RPL.
Your diversity of ideas, praises and criticisms are helpful. Pass them on to FRPL, or send directly into the Executive Committee meeting or City Council Budget meetings AND your City Councillor.
Note that the City Council motion to support a loan to RPL for up to $119 Million, passed on July 9, 2024, will not be a part of the mill rate vote. Any changes to that motion must come through a Motion to Reconsider by City Councillors. The funds will not be disbursed to the RPL until requested at a later date.
Friends of the Regina Public Library 