The future funding of the Rotary Club of Slave Lake Public Library remained under discussion.
During the M.D. of Lesser Slave River council meeting on May 27, the Library Manager Kendra McRee urged councillors not to reduce the library’s 2026 budget amid ongoing operational challenges and program cuts.
McRee attended the meeting to discuss the library’s financial situation and provide the council with an update on recent funding decisions made by the Town of Slave Lake.
According to McRee, the library’s approved funding from the Town has steadily increased over the past three years. Council documents showed the library received $344,150 in 2024, followed by $378,511 in 2025. The proposed 2026 budget currently sits at $378,928.
However, McRee said that the Town recently passed a motion to reduce its 2026 payment to the library by approximately $9,300 in order to recover half of an overpayment that occurred after the library incorrectly invoiced the Town.
The remaining half of the overpayment was waived by Town according to Facebook post by Mayor Francesca Ward
During th M.D. meeting, the council reviewed the financial documents and discussed whether additional funding support would be considered.
McRee asked the M.D. not to further reduce the library’s budget, noting that they already have been forced to make difficult operational decisions due to rising costs and limited funding.
“This is not an easy decision,” said McRee.
She explained that several library programs and services have already been cancelled or reduced as a result of budget pressures and staffing cuts.
Programs affected include the library’s book club, writers’ group, Knit in Public Day activities, knitting circle, ESL Café, and several other community programs.
McRee also shared that all part-time employees and security staff had been laid off, and the library is now closed on weekends due to limited resources.
“Programs are affected,” said McRee. “There are 5,000 people who come to our library.”
She emphasized that the library continues to serve a large number of residents, including individuals and families facing financial difficulties who rely on free public services and programming.
McRee added that operational costs have also increased significantly, including the price of craft supplies and other program materials.
Some councillors, however, expressed concern about increasing financial contributions to the library.
Councillor Brad Pearson said council must carefully consider the long-term sustainability of increasing funding.
“If we increase the budget now, it could be worse next year,” said Pearson. “You’re putting us on the line. That’s not sustainable in my mind.”
Pearson also questioned whether reopening the library on Saturdays would be the best use of available resources.
“Opening on Saturday to utilize the day is not right,” he said.
Councillor Thomas Snowden added that the M.D. had already allocated significant funding toward the library in 2025 and suggested the council must balance the needs of all municipal services when making budget decisions.
Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Gannon clarified that the M.D. ’s role primarily relates to the building and facility side of the partnership, rather than day-to-day library operations.
“The building situation is for us to manage, not the operational side,” said Gannon.
Despite the discussion, no final decision was made during the meeting regarding additional funding or possible budget increases for the library.
Council stated that discussions with the Rotary Club of Slave Lake Public Library will continue later this year as both parties review financial needs and possible funding options moving forward.
“Let me know when we can move forward,” McRee told council at the conclusion of the discussion.
The Leader requested a copy of the budget from the M.D., but administration said the document will be released once discussions have been finalized and the matter has been resolved.
Julia Magsombol
Lakeside Leader