by Paul McMahon Powell River Public Library campaign’s feasibility study was commissioned to determine if $9.5 million could be raised for the proposed new library.
On page 48 of the library Conceptual Design Report, May 22, 2012, it was indicated that probable funding sources were $3.17 million local, plus $3.17 million provincial government, plus $3.17 million federal government. Now, the feasibility study of July 4, 2013 has shifted probable funding sources to $6 million local plus $3.5 million provincially and federally combined.
The feasibility study supports its position with data for the local campaign at $1 million and $3.5 million through taxation.
How feasible is the remaining $4 million if the assumptions are correct for the campaign amounts?
All the discussion and renewed action on site selection is a major distraction. The question still unanswered is can we raise $9.5 million? A review of the report leaves me very skeptical and I place the probability of success at less than 20 per cent.
The report’s breakdown of potential funds is as follows:
• $1 million local capital campaign, 11 per cent of total.
This campaign is a huge, ambitious undertaking. The report poll, page 93, asks: would you donate money? Answers: 23.5 per cent said yes, 50.5 per cent said no, 26 per cent said not sure.
For the most part, the report uses data from the 30, one on one, interviews to quantify the $1 million, not the above poll.
• $3.5 million borrowing/taxation, 36.8 per cent of total.
This is a 25- to 30-year long-term debt, and predicated on 70 per cent coming from the City of Powell River and 30 per cent from Powell River Regional District, plus other tax classes, business and light industry. It may require a financial referendum.
There will be an increase in annual operating costs associated with the new standalone building, three times larger than the current shared facility, which will also be added to each person’s tax bill.
• $1 million local community forest contribution, 11 per cent of total.
The report suggests private donations and community forest contributions could be made over an extended period. What will the impact be on other deserving non-profit groups as a result of the library’s Herculean fundraising effort?
• $500,000 city waiver, 5.2 per cent of total.
As per the conceptual design report, May 22, 2012, page 45, permit fees $81,529 plus development cost equals $36,802, leaving $381,669 to pile on top of the local taxpayer.
• $3.5 million from provincial and federal governments, 36.8 per cent of total.
Quoting from the 2013 report, page 28:
“We did not find any particular open grant opportunities that are specific to the construction of libraries but there are opportunities that components of the project could be ‘massaged’ to fit.” What is the probability of success after a year of trying?
Powell River would have to endure significant hardship, through tax and donation diversion, to raise the $9.5 million.
It is apparent that city council and the library board have to look for a solution which is significantly less, say in the $5 million range.
If you agree that $9.5 million is beyond any reasonable expectation, contact Councillor Debbie Dee, head of this troubled portfolio.
Paul McMahon is a regular library user and ever-disgruntled local taxpayer.
