Chinook Regional Library

ANNUAL REPORT 2004

Executive Committee Report

 

Finances

We began the year with a projected deficit of almost $39,000.00 and completed the year with a surplus of over $70,000.00.  Our revenue increased by approximately $26,500.00 over budget and our expenditure decreased by more than $81,000.00.  Roughly, fifty percent of our recovery was due to salary related items.

 

As we have done in the past, the executive is recommending to the board that the 2005 materials expenditure be increased from the budgeted amount of $175,000.00 to $200,000.00.

 

At their March 6th meeting, the Executive reviewed tenders for banking services and the Southwest Credit Union was selected to service our needs beginning May 1, 2004 for a three year period. 

 

Community Access Program (CAP)

The Chinook Regional Library was fortunate to participate in two CAP programs through the year.  The 2003/2004 program ended March 31st and we received a total of $122,800.00 for 31 CAP (library) sites.  The 2004/2005 program was initiated as of April 1, 2004 and 21 CAP sites are eligible for a total of $45,000.00.  The focus on the 2003/2004 grant was equipment upgrade whereas the 2004/2005 grant is directing the majority of funds toward library opening hours.  We are grateful to the Government of Canada for providing funding for this initiative.

 

Board Meetings 

At the 2003 Fall Board meeting, an amendment to our bylaws was approved implementing a $200 absentee surcharge for municipalities not represented at a Board meeting in the event of a failed quorum.  Both Board meetings in 2004 recorded attendance unmatched for many years.

 

With the approval of the 2005 operating budget at the Fall Board meeting, a $0.25 increase per capita was approved for towns, villages, and rural municipalities.  The increase is also being requested from the City of Swift Current as legislation allows the city to set any increase to their grant.

 

Personnel Committee

I wish to extend my personal thank you to members of the Personnel committee for their diligent work through the year.  Contracts beginning in 2005 were approved for both the support staff (2 years) and the administrative staff (3 years).  Also, an improved scale of payment was approved for branch employees beginning January 1, 2005.

 

On behalf of the Executive Committee and the Board, I would like to extend thanks to our staff and dedicated volunteers for their support and enthusiasm in bringing library service to the southwest.