Orem outlines tight FY26 operating budget, $28 million in capital projects and new hires tied to growth

Orem city staff told the council they expect a tight fiscal year 2026 operating budget but presented a set of limited personnel additions — mostly tied to growth contracts and user fees — and a $28 million capital improvement program that prioritizes water, sewer and street projects.

City staff said they will transfer $3.2 million from general-fund reserves into the capital projects fund and plan to use about $1 million of that for recurring capital work and smaller park and facility projects. That transfer is part of the FY26 budget package the council discussed at a work session.

The budget presentation emphasized why the items matter: many additions are funded outside the general fund or by interlocal agreements, reducing the city’s direct operating impact while addressing capacity tied to new development.

The city described several proposed personnel changes. The fire department will add three firefighter–paramedics midyear to support operations tied to the Vineyard contract; staff said Vineyard’s payments will “totally fund” those hires. The department also plans a full‑time training coordinator for the new training facility and a deputy fire marshal position to serve as a liaison to partner cities. Division Chief Derek Spencer was identified in the meeting as the division chief over fire prevention and is being given…