Councillors Clash Over Proposed Library Rent Increase in Burk’s Falls

Tensions escalated during the tri-council meeting on October 27, 2023, as councillors from the Township of Armour, the Township of Ryerson, and the Village of Burk’s Falls debated a proposed increase in rent for the Burk’s Falls Armour & Ryerson Union Public Library. The Village of Burk’s Falls is seeking to raise the annual rent to approximately $9,700, a significant jump from the previous rate of $7,663 established for 2024.

Councillor Sean Cotton, who also serves on the library board, argued that the current rent rate was unsustainable and needed adjustment. He described the existing fee as a “legacy issue” that required resolution to ensure the building’s long-term maintenance could be effectively managed. The proposed rate adjustment, set at $8.69 per square foot, aligns with regional averages and is only marginally higher than the rate paid by a similarly sized library in South River, which stands at $8.57 per square foot.

Cotton emphasized the need for the increase, stating that it aims to establish a reserve fund to address future capital repairs and maintenance needs. “The concept is creating reserves so that the building can be looked after,” he noted. This would provide essential funding for unforeseen repairs and ensure the library remains a valuable resource for the community.

Despite the rationale, Councillor Dorothy Haggart-Davis from Armour expressed strong opposition to the proposed increase. She raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the library’s actual operating costs, arguing that it is essential to know how much it costs to maintain the facility before imposing higher rental fees. “You don’t know how much it’s costing you a year to have it,” Haggart-Davis remarked, questioning the intent behind creating a reserve fund without a comprehensive understanding of the building’s maintenance requirements.

The conversation took a critical turn when Mayor Rod Ward of Armour highlighted the financial implications of the proposed increase. He pointed out that if the rent were raised, Armour would be responsible for covering 46.1 percent of the total liability costs. Ward sought clarification on whether there were specific maintenance concerns regarding the library that both Armour and Ryerson should be aware of.

Haggart-Davis further articulated her concern that the proposed rent increase effectively mandates the tri-council partners to contribute to a reserve fund for a building they do not own. “In the event we get a new library, what’s happening to all of the money in that reserve account?” she questioned, emphasizing the need for transparency in the financial planning process.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from Burk’s Falls officials to provide additional financial information for further evaluation. They agreed to look into several key areas: the current annual operating costs of the library building, the specifics surrounding the village’s reserve fund—including its value, contribution rate, and distribution plan should a new library be constructed—and the feasibility of commissioning an engineering report to assess the current structure and identify future capital needs.

The discussions at the tri-council meeting underscore the complexities of municipal budgeting and the importance of collaboration among local authorities to ensure sustainable community resources. As the councils prepare to gather the requested information, the future of the library’s rent and its implications for the community remains a topic of pressing concern.