In 2015 there were 11 managers at Saskatoon Public Library. Now there are 30.

Workers at the Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) believe the cost of management within the organization is ballooning.

Workers at the Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) believe the cost of management within the organization is ballooning.

Multiple employees spoke with CTV News about the expansion of management positions and salaries as the library moves to cut public services.

According to Saskatoon’s public accounts statements, management and administration positions have more than doubled since Carol Cooley became CEO in 2015, from 19 to 45 by 2022.

In that time the cost of their salaries nearly tripled, from about $1.69 million to just under $4.85 million.

"This enormous increase in managerial spending has all been approved by an unelected library board," said one worker who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Saskatchewan’s Public Libraries Act mandates that all municipal libraries in the province be run by an independent board. It allows the organization a measure of independence from the shifting tides of electoral politics but has served to shield it from public oversight, the worker says.

"This board does not answer to city council or Saskatoon voters … but they do receive city funding," the worker said.