Laserfiche WebLink
GREAT RIVER REGIONAL LIBRARY - Explore. Learn. Connect.in <br />i�Fmi - <br />�� SII • �►If1T. OAT, • is • <br />To: Elk River Library Board <br />CC: Lori Lundstrom, LSC <br />From: Ryan McCormick, Patron Services Supervisor <br />Date: July 26, 2022 <br />2023 Great River Regional Library Budget <br />At their May meeting, the Board reviewed the 2023 Preliminary Budget. It reflects a 3.14 percent overall <br />increase from 2022, with the six regional counties carrying a large amount of the increase. Both the <br />Unassigned Fund Balance and use of cash reserves have decreased, and GRRL has seen some lower interest <br />revenue. The largest expenditure increase comes from the personnel line. The final 2023 Budget will go <br />before the Board for approval in July. <br />Elk River Library Additional Open Hours <br />GRRL Library Development Policy sets open hours for libraries with 4,000 to 20,000 borrowers at 41-49 <br />hours per week. The current recommendation for Elk River is 48 weekly open hours, based on <br />circulation and usage patterns. In 2017, GRRL entered into an agreement with the City of Elk River to <br />add open hours through city funds. The city paid an annual amount for GRRL staff to support an <br />additional three (3) open hours per week, which provided a more consistent schedule. The service <br />agreement was in effect for five years and is set to expire on December 31, 2022. <br />A review of 2021 library statistics shows Elk River usage has declined since 2017, due in part to the <br />pandemic. Staffing levels have also changed to reflect this decline in usage. Costs to extend library <br />open hours beyond GRRL policy recommendations would be less than the prior five-year period due to <br />this change. The city has requested reconsideration of the agreement and that GRRL consider <br />continuing the additional three (3) hours within GRRL's operating budget. The GRRL board will discuss <br />at the their July meeting. <br />New Website <br />An update of the library's website, griver.org, is nearing completion with a preview currently available <br />to staff. Many of the features are similar to the current website, but with changes to the look, <br />navigation, and search functions. <br />