Why is the Library asking for more money?
Parish Public Library’s funding has been essentially flat for 17 years, ranging from just $35,000-$40,000 per year, even as the Library has significantly increased services during that time period, adding hours, expanding collections and programming, and offering you more value than ever before.
Like you, our Library has been experiencing the rising costs of the last few years—the cost of all goods and services (including books and utilities) has gone up considerably, as you well know. The Library relies on our talented staff to meet the needs of our community, from children’s programs to computer help to recommending books. In order to keep pace with changes to minimum wage across the state, our payroll costs have increased by more than 50% in the last 7 years.
Even as costs have risen, the Library has continued to add programming to offer you more. Now, in order to sustain these expanded services, we are asking voters to support this increase to our operating budget.
FAQs https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ag2v4Oe5wlnPijueRQpMLFgTJoTc4LzPGnrIbIGiif8/edit?usp=sharing