Medicine Hat Public Library requests $373,000 increase in city funding
By Medicine Hat News on October 26, 2023.
The Medicine Hat Public Library, which sets its own budget but receives its major funding from the city, is requesting a $373,000 increase next year. Those funds are needed to address security concerns and cover costs that for several years have been covered from reserve funding. “In 2024 we’re really looking forward to engaging with the community,” said the board co-chair Megan Hilgendorf, who added MHPL plans to renew its strategic plan as well as explore a potential shared location for a south-end satellite branch. The total package from the city would rise to $2.6 million, a 16 per cent rise from 2023, but only 12 per cent more than 2018 since there were cost reductions in the intervening years. Administrators argue the difference amounts to a 1.6 per cent annual increase over the six-year period, and new funds are needed to add back-fill staff, a permanent social worker position to work with some patrons, as well as security. Chief librarian Ken Feser said that safety was identified as a concern following the 2020 closure, and since then security guards have been paid for out of reserve funding. The library’s total budget would rise to $3.08 million. 8-7
