Residents split over Orem tax increase; fixed-income and governance concerns prominent

Speakers at the Aug. 27 public hearing were sharply divided over the proposed property-tax increase and the creation of a Public Safety Special Revenue Fund. Several residents voiced support on grounds of officer retention and event-driven demand; others raised affordability concerns and warned the fund structure could create an ongoing push for more revenue.

Mike Preston, an Orem resident, said he is retired and living on a fixed income and that his property taxes rose from $2,900 to $4,200 over nine years: "We are retired and live on a fixed income and can't ... help it feel we are being taxed right out of our home." Judy Cox, who opposed the measure, said creating a separate public-safety fund produced a "false shortfall" that made a tax increase appear necessary and urged the council to vote it down.

Supporters said the $450,000 increase is modest and essential to retain trained officers and maintain community events. Chuck Beers told the council he would "be happy if you doubled it," calling the increase a small annual amount equivalent to a fast-food meal for most residents. Opponents pointed to the city's large budget and fund balance and urged staff to reallocate or phase capital projects instead of raising ongoing taxes.