[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6561454,"mediaKeyId","3290562-0abc579ca21cde3ae68bbc4662b2a30f","parentId",3290562,"title","Orem releases tentative 2025–26 budget; utility base-rate increases proposed for water and sewer","audioSeconds",2643,"startMs",8095000,"endMs",10738000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3290562-0abc579ca21cde3ae68bbc4662b2a30f&start=8095&end=10738","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3290562-0abc579ca21cde3ae68bbc4662b2a30f/thumbnail_8095000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6561454/Orem/Utah-County/Utah/Orem-releases-tentative-202526-budget-utility-base-rate-increases-proposed-for-water-and-sewer","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561454-504d16eb910b778eedb30e64eb9e592a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770983710&Signature=WwpIO3jdAwPDSffDIcyetoLAP0ZfCFwWNKCmaA68m05xkfRBBlbNZL~-1CmFcJsK~EIAZG8W7ji5hsYi26Ie~k6o5MBQ~XY1pB51rgvQnuUHQ2HKlAJUW-08c78QL9exr08Z9mKy6elyiRirk~2c3GFL4cJD9MPTXt0Ykq4LSfzNtLUODp-O28FFU5z~WlSomkFhvFGvbcvI-7R2lbtViyAm6ts9hhvfhhsZln5pXD5d3HPRebAUojJ~AL~6k5dR8hDZMwkU61Sz2KZRq0zgbPkX4OsV~MD6es0TplpjdffqSydQBVQHOj1f-cWbKpT18g1IH-KnFnHmfriVsrl4Jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Orem","date","2025-05-14T05:32:46Z","article","Orem City staff presented a tentative fiscal year 2025–26 budget totaling roughly $177 million and opened a public hearing; council set a June 10 public hearing for final adoption. The tentative plan funds capital projects, fleet replacement and ongoing operations and proposes utility fee adjustments intended to finance wastewater-treatment upgrades, service expansions and partner-city allocations.

Highlights:
- Tentative total budget: about $177 million (roughly $17 million above the current fiscal year), driven largely by enterprise (utility) funds and capital projects.
- Sewer/water-reclamation: staff proposed a significant base-rate increase to seed planned upgrade projects at the water reclamation facility; staff said part of the increase reflects costs shared with Vineyard and Linden, which will pay their share of treatment capacity.
- Water: proposed base-rate increases and new fees tied to regional projects (Jordanelle/Deer Creek) and growth-related impact fees.
- Fleet and capital: $2.8 million of fleet replacement and about $32 million of capital projects were included in the tentative budget; some large capital items are expected to be financed or staged across multiple years.
- General fund: modest revenue increases (sales tax and property tax estimates) and budgeting for personnel step increases and health-insurance cost pressures.

Council and staff said the utility rate proposals were informed by comparative benchmarking and regulatory drivers; staff noted the city remains mid- to lower-range compared with many regional utilities even after the proposed increases. The council unanimously set the final-budget hearing for June 10. Staff will publish the full proposed budget document and respond to council questions during the interim work sessions.

What residents should know: The council adopted the tentative budget and scheduled final adoption for June 10. Staff said residents will receive more detailed budget documents and that the council remains open to policy direction before final adoption. Staff also highlighted that some increases will be offset by payments from partner cities for shared treatment capacity.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Orem City Council Meeting | 5.13.2025 Pt 2","oneSentenceSummary","Orem released a $177 million tentative budget for fiscal 2025–26; council set a June 10 public hearing to adopt the final budget after additional review.","taxTitle","Orem, Utah County, Utah","taxId",2947,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6561459,"Orem residents, hosts flood council with short-term rental remarks as work continues on ordinance",259,3328000,3587000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3290562-0abc579ca21cde3ae68bbc4662b2a30f&start=3328&end=3587","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3290562-0abc579ca21cde3ae68bbc4662b2a30f/thumbnail_3328000.jpg","/articles/6561459/Orem/Utah-County/Utah/Orem-residents-hosts-flood-council-with-short-term-rental-remarks-as-work-continues-on-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561459-ba3734205952b136102b2793bdab3c4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770983710&Signature=MHekPq~x5t-s1Be5rqZMuEVG~ogtIO1Y0Gal0~2noCzAP7KbHodIZZzsvm6TisLumSkbFCobhRAYD0aObw2RD2xPs9-IT2~5C7iLLMy9Sytr0thKsT8ZVdJuqtl1wZHgEbXUsMV4dwqrNjApyIkLpywqXLdEDALIiB-ySvhOesvRzcKAtj61DAJ8cpHU~c2clUN2LiymwZ2~AX9vohhtyzGIyEomngZPAR56waBo2dqxWLqX3L55znVxb3DJ5GSseckKoujbvkDxRicuOkM0Kft3tKywIqJvahcF2zAb4cGc6C82Z5HJ0SsG58fJ-V9VqNhPYDpLemBtw6geUSwt7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents, hosts and neighborhood representatives addressed Orem City Council during the personal-appearances portion of the meeting to urge changes to the city’s proposed short-term rental ordinance or to describe neighborhood impacts.

Why it matters: The council is developing citywide regulations for short-term rentals (STRs). Residents in favor of owner-occupied STRs described supplemental income, hosting large family groups and low incidence of complaints. Residents opposed said nightly rentals had increased traffic, noise, safety risks near schools and a loss of neighborhood cohesion.

What speakers said: A group of hosts led by Marissa Harris asked the city to “use us” — to form a city-sponsored committee of responsible hosts and landlords to help design workable rules. Harris said the group represents more than 65 hosts who are registered on rentresponsibly.com and offered to assist with education and implementation. Several owner-occupied hosts asked for different rules from investors, urging exemptions from a proposed 182-night cap and less restrictive proximity limits. One host said their STR facilitated extended-stay therapeutic visitors who spend locally.

Opponents described repeated problems at specific units: parking on school routes, buses dropping off groups of teenagers, speeding and difficult enforcement. Jordan Cove Covey said an STR next to his house had brought nightly traffic and created multiple near-miss incidents involving children walking to a nearby elementary school. Several commenters urged stronger enforcement resources and consideration of a permit system that focuses enforcement on problem properties rather than a blanket cap.

Council response and process: Mayor Young and council members said the short-term-rental proposal remains under study and that staff and council are still gathering information; there is no immediate decision. The mayor asked speakers to keep remarks brief because the council was focused on other high-priority agenda items that night.

What’s next: Council work sessions on short-term rentals will continue. Several speakers asked for a 60-day collaborative working group to negotiate details with staff; others asked that the council prioritize enforcement capacity alongside any new rules.","Dozens of Orem residents and short-term rental hosts addressed the council, urging either firmer restrictions to protect neighborhoods or a permit path and exemptions for owner-occupied hosts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6561465,"Council approves Ken Garf rezoning for dealership parking; development agreement includes masonry fence and landscaping",5155,1489000,6644000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3290562-0abc579ca21cde3ae68bbc4662b2a30f&start=1489&end=6644","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3290562-0abc579ca21cde3ae68bbc4662b2a30f/thumbnail_1489000.jpg","/articles/6561465/Orem/Utah-County/Utah/Council-approves-Ken-Garf-rezoning-for-dealership-parking-development-agreement-includes-masonry-fence-and-landscaping","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561465-467ba78b3b6f0f16b10d632716da543e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770983710&Signature=AUocvHIz4dwm02Ox89Efyv8YacjJF0r5YNmEFRaV0WonUO2HopDjzspB7H8BN4jvkS4LBRyvSoWDFXpHgyg3QdvtJsx8T72GmcZUq3A75C5AY8bB9FJdYrmvaR1~bBoIPYZzc8LwNKtjfbLlx2hOzG8bIun2Q5P89hMwUy~k~rZr3Rmxm7QfbJadLdkYCrL-yESEi5kVNwT8zl-20KTb2KaNlJYarxQgf0SaAlXGfLMCM2YU0q8F1c48nOz3Xadz80ZAs7Labj5tBN5KIkZMpCMMfP1Q8jeOAQ~tg7-ktQhVFcAkD-kBzdOB-bDxOfdUBicyzSqCNYPXAHLo9MJPww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Orem City Council voted to rezone two small parcels at 110 East and 134 East 1200 South from single-family residential (R-8) to commercial C-2 to permit expansion of an adjacent car dealership. The rezoning passed with a development agreement the council said will require a masonry-style (SymTech) fence along 1200 South, a landscaped buffer outside the fence, and a gated access set back from the sidewalk to reduce visual and traffic impacts on the neighboring residences.

Why it matters: The developer proposed absorbing the two parcels into the dealership’s lot and adding roughly 79 parking spaces in a concept plan shown to the council. Neighbors had raised concerns about visibility, noise and truck access; the development agreement is intended to provide enforceable design commitments that the zoning change alone would not guarantee.

What staff and applicant said: City planning staff described the parcel locations and noted the dealership’s existing PD-5 zoning adjacent to the site. The applicant said the gate would be set back about 10 feet from the back of the sidewalk (about 15 feet from the sidewalk face) and that truck deliveries would not increase but could be staged in a manner that reduces the time trucks occupy the roadway.

Council action and conditions: The council approved the rezoning ordinance. Council members emphasized that the development agreement — which the applicant has executed — includes the masonry-style SymTech fence, a 10-foot landscape buffer outside the fence and requirements to replace existing chain-link fencing on adjacent lots with the new fence material.

What’s next: If the applicant proceeds, a detailed site-plan application and staff review must follow the zoning change. Council members said final approvals will occur through the usual development-review process and that staff will ensure the development agreement’s terms are incorporated into any site approvals.

","The council approved rezoning two parcels on 1200 South from R-8 to C-2 to allow expansion of an adjacent car dealership. A development agreement includes a SymTech masonry-style fence, landscaping buffer, and a gated access set back from the sidewalk to mitigate neighborhood impacts.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6561470,"Orem council approves rezoning of Wilkerson Farm after hours of public comment",8944,6680000,15624000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3290562-0abc579ca21cde3ae68bbc4662b2a30f&start=6680&end=15624","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3290562-0abc579ca21cde3ae68bbc4662b2a30f/thumbnail_6680000.jpg","/articles/6561470/Orem/Utah-County/Utah/Orem-council-approves-rezoning-of-Wilkerson-Farm-after-hours-of-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561470-d76134f580e11711dd6a06b8d9fec063/orig.mp4?Expires=1770983710&Signature=Pu35BM7KnQtcbZu1aVSQ5K1tIurNxV9YjfNPe7bPs9Z83j2PKTmfkTj~oeiXCDzVb6K6QE7AsmGCpmQXM4N4D1Hfkgvf9XAxgcbGGeP7DmnQL-ayp8V0iOuzbccb-n2R-pLs98YU9sz-D2gnEXs7SagmghWj9rwi~DnOjFx8nLynXwytpZVcIj4GZBAof7yYxLoDtUtJoQe95gj8yaRMmN-fIp-elf1IHe0CnD7sMDXMKPHdtNmqAeqXFXc4RYaoW6WblFtLuly1q0JxazPpOKiKi-W5O0a2YZimoW7o8q-ozmrFoc68uXl3Vu6XjV-zzgH3teiOmIxs49pKyNnOBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Orem City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance rezoning about 14.01 acres known as Wilkerson Farm from OS-5 (open-space, five-acre minimum lots) to R-8 (single-family residential, approximately 8,000-square-foot lots). The property owner and developer presented an R-8 concept plan calling for roughly 53 lots; council members and hundreds of residents offered extended testimony and questions before the final approval.

Why it matters: The property has been used for years as a working farm and community agritainment site. Neighbors and farm supporters urged the council to preserve the land for farming, education and local food production. Supporters of the rezoning argued the change aligns with previous planning guidance for the area and allows a “for-sale” single-family development rather than higher-density multifamily housing.

Council and staff said the land sits next to an active Union Pacific freight corridor, a commuter rail line and industrial uses, which was one reason the parcel carried OS-5 zoning originally. The developer and property owner told the council the site has been included in the city’s master planning work and that utility and roadway improvements (including a widened 2000 South) are in the city’s plans. A traffic study prepared by Avenue Consultants estimated modest peak-hour vehicle trips from the proposed subdivision and concluded impacts on the intersection of 2000 South and Geneva Road would be small.

Residents offered a range of views during public comment. Dozens urged preservation, saying the farm supplies local food and family activities and provides open space that will be gone if developed. Others urged the council to treat the property owner consistently with other recent rezonings in the annexed area and said single-family homes were an appropriate, modest use of the land.

Several council members cited competing concerns. Some emphasized private-property rights and the city’s general plan language that supported residential use; others said the parcel serves as an important buffer between the rail/industrial corridor and residential neighborhoods and questioned whether R-8 lots were appropriate so close to heavy rail noise and activity.

Outcome: The council voted to approve rezoning the parcel to R-8. The approved concept plan presented to council estimates about 53 single-family lots (lot sizes ranging from about 8,000 to 18,500 square feet); the site must still go through subdivision and site-plan review before building permits are issued.

What’s next: The developer will proceed with subdivision engineering, utility coordination and site-plan review. Council and staff noted Provo City’s adjacent development and planned road improvements on 2000 South remain critical dependencies for the full buildout and traffic mitigation.

","After more than two hours of public testimony, Orem City Council approved rezoning roughly 14 acres known as Wilkerson Farm from OS-5 (open space five-acre minimum) to R-8 (single-family, 8,000-sq-ft lots). The vote followed divided public sentiment and lengthy council debate over property rights, traffic and proximity to railroad tracks.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6561449,"Orem marks 106th birthday, honors volunteers and receives donation for Gold Star memorial",708,855000,1563000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3290562-0abc579ca21cde3ae68bbc4662b2a30f&start=855&end=1563","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3290562-0abc579ca21cde3ae68bbc4662b2a30f/thumbnail_855000.jpg","/articles/6561449/Orem/Utah-County/Utah/Orem-marks-106th-birthday-honors-volunteers-and-receives-donation-for-Gold-Star-memorial","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561449-399233cbba96565499fea8c605432822/orig.mp4?Expires=1770983710&Signature=C0d3fFgIXfe-J3cj0r3iARPhAEyLSy4jcuzaT8jNEFltw4PO35YdodSknsvhYX2iPdJsKBYidLCRzhvPczSei0JmDQ5EukrcjLUpI3S2X8SUSp-zju2SQugWCjaddgkWJCEQrjdWZn~uIeiKgyOsNK6CJ8CJUXWzkkc0JDzVUqFyWGyW7sVMtxh~0zTlqgu~4Ovk-55WXH6d7kFpB607U75IYxyG953E5HTcTr8zMyukztiMOGFYKIPwDGz8xdD9JKMb2i6HtBAdddO7sljjyny8tiWzi8FDG3pURWQj~J34~aZfq~QCUnL8excfoBC5YOTB4JFvy5yuzLq0dX2afg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council received a series of community and departmental presentations at its May meeting.

Kindness Week and 106th birthday: City staff recapped Orem’s 106th birthday events and Kindness Week. The city distributed 500 yard signs, hosted service projects (including planting at Nielson’s Grove Park), and promoted one-kind-a-day activities. Youth Council members and a children’s craft (painted rocks) were part of events; the city noted the Chantettes and other musical groups performed.

Gold Star Memorial donation: The Knights of Columbus delivered two checks (reported amounts: $1,000 and $1,100) for a Gold Star Family memorial to be placed at the Orem Freedom Center at City Hall.

Natural Resources Advisory Commission awards: The Natural Resources Advisory Commission presented stewardship awards. Individual homeowners Josh and Charity Kresge won in the water-wise landscaping category; Utah Valley University received the business stewardship award, with highlights of UVU’s energy and water-efficiency projects described.

Police week and public-works recognition: Council heard remarks recognizing National Police Week; Orem Police and Fire honor guards presented the colors. Public Works Director Chris Shirkey reviewed department statistics (parks, trees, street sweeping, salt usage, fleet and water production/treatment figures) and invited council to the Public Works appreciation event.

Youth Council report: Youth Council members summarized their year: 23 members, service projects, field trips (fire station, tours, mock budget and debate exercises), and participation in youth-council exchanges at the State Capitol.

","Council heard several civic presentations: a recap of the city’s 106th birthday and Kindness Week activities, the Natural Resources Advisory Commission stewardship awards, a Gold Star Memorial donation from the Knights of Columbus, and a police-week recognition.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Orem releases tentative 2025–26 budget; utility base-rate increases proposed for water and sewer

Orem residents, hosts flood council with short-term rental remarks as work continues on ordinance

Council approves Ken Garf rezoning for dealership parking; development agreement includes masonry fence and landscaping

Orem council approves rezoning of Wilkerson Farm after hours of public comment

Orem marks 106th birthday, honors volunteers and receives donation for Gold Star memorial