Re: Rural residents are not freeloaders, Aug 23
I read with relief that Mr. Goldsbury has not stated he is against Area E joining the library but rather is concerned about the Alternative Approval Process (APP).
As a library board trustee, responsible for library financial oversight, I’d like to respond to the confusion of funding amounts. Mr. Goldsbury referenced a figure of $31,500 for Area E membership fees. I believe he came to this figure by estimating the number of library members (700) and multiplying it by $45, the cost of an individual library limited-service membership.
In actuality, 727 Area E residents are library members. Of those, 330 are students whose membership fees are funded by a grant of $6,000 approved by Director Ramona Faust. The remaining memberships are made up of individuals paying $45, for limited services or $90 full-service family membership.
In contrast, if the RDCK receives elector approval through the APP, an average residential property in Area E with an assessed value in land and improvements of $483,312 would expect to pay $35.37 for full library services.
Based on this, the proposed requisition amount for 2023 would be $106,138, providing universal access to library services to all Area E residents (approximately 4,000 individuals).
What would residents get in return? In addition to every resident accessing full library services, like Area F and H, they could access outreach services closer to home. Imagine not having to drive to town in winter conditions or in the summer heat, but instead, pick up and drop off materials or attend a children’s or seniors’ event closer to home. This outreach is done through community consultation. Area E would also have a voting representative on the library board to contribute to the future of the library.
Anni Holtby, Chair,
Board of Trustees
Nelson Public Library