Inaccurate statements

Dear Mike:
We on the Fort Frances Public Library Board are very much aware of the challenges facing our town. We appreciate the effort of councillors as they wrestle with the budget.
That having been said, as reported in the press, one councillor recently made inaccurate statements.
Unfortunately, that could leave taxpayers with the impression that the library board has been fiscally irresponsible and blind to the economic difficulties faced by all of us.
Here is the correct information regarding our budgets and expenditures in recent years:
•in 2011, council determined that we would receive no increase in our budget;
•in 2012, council approved a budget with an increase of 3.89 percent;
•in 2013, we submitted a budget proposal with no increase that was approved by council; and
•in 2014, we again submitted a budget proposal with no increase.
In 2010, we were over-budget by $380.85. In 2011, 2012, and 2013, we were under budget.
In 2013, our budget represented 2.089 percent of the town’s operating budget. That means that for each tax dollar collected, two cents goes to the library.
We are fortunate to have the expertise of both our CEO and the town treasurer who provide the library board with detailed information so that we can make sound financial decisions.
As a board, we take our fiduciary responsibilities very seriously.
We recognize that when members of council are faced with large packages of spreadsheets, the data can be overwhelming and mistakes can be made.
However, in these difficult times, it is imperative that the information that is presented to the taxpayers is accurate.
Sincerely,
Joyce Cunningham
Chair, Fort Frances
Public Library Board