The Regina Public Library (RPL) Board of Directors is requesting a mill rate increase to address rising costs and save for a new Central Library. RPL is requesting a 3.99 per cent increase to its general library operations mill rate, with the average household seeing an increase of about $3 per month if approved by city council. “Demand for library services in Regina continues to grow,” Marj Gavigan, Chair of the RPL Board of Directors, said in a news release from the RPL. “With increased demand comes increased need for funding.” The increased mill rate would address rising costs in salaries, safety needs, inflation affecting leases, technology and facilities, as well as the growing demand for digital materials. The RPL’s request also includes funding for the branch library development reserve, which will help ensure a healthy library system across the city, according to Gavigan. RPL is also requesting an 11 per cent increase to the Central Library mill rate, with the goal to open the new Central Library by 2036. According to the RPL, the original plan was to borrow money to build the new library and use the mill rate to repay the debt, but since borrowing is no longer available, the mill rate will build the reserve needed to fund the construction. “Before we make those decisions, we need to continue the conversation with the community,” Gavigan said in the news release. “Community input will help shape the spaces, services and features that will make the new library work for Regina.” RPL administration will be presenting their requests to Regina City Council’s Executive Committee on Oct. 21.
