Orem council approves FY2020 budget amendments and Stewart Retail Addition site plan
February 25, 2020 · 56 North State Street, Orem
The council approved midyear amendments to the 2019-20 budget and a site plan for a five-unit retail building at 21 West University Parkway. In work session, the city's financial consultants said expenses are on a path to exceed revenues and the City Manager said an incremental property tax increase is likely to be part of budget talks.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Orem's mayor is a voting member of the seven-member council. The minutes count the six council members in each tally and record the mayor's vote beside it, so a council vote of 6-0 with the mayor voting yes is 7-0 with the mayor.
In brief
4 items came up for a decision or discussion: 2 approved and 2 discussed.
1 item here is tracked in the city's development tracker.
This write-up links 2 source documents.
7 members were present.
Residents raised property tax outlook and long-term city finances.
The previous City Council meeting was on February 11, 2020: Orem council hears HUD plan, neighborhood board proposal and fire chief search; no scheduled votes
The next one was on March 10, 2020: Orem council approves 100-foot AT&T cell tower near UVU; consent items create neighborhood commission
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Fiscal year 2020 budget amendments | Approved · 5-0 among council members |
| Stewart Retail Addition site plan, 21 West University Parkway | Approved · 5-0 among council members |
| Comprehensive Financial Sustainability Plan update (work session) | Discussed |
| Employee compensation philosophy (work session) | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item Public hearing · Budget
Fiscal year 2020 budget amendments
Approved · 5-0 among council members
Finance Manager Brandon Nelson said the amendments include federal, state and other grants, appropriating funds held for the 2019 general obligation bond payment, interest earned on unspent bond funds, and using Information Technology fund surplus for wireless access point upgrades. No one spoke at the public hearing. The minutes list Council Member David Spencer as present but his vote is not recorded in the roll call.
- BudgetAmount not given
Development
Stewart Retail Addition site plan, 21 West University Parkway
Approved · 5-0 among council members
Because the PD12 zone requires council approval of site plans, the council reviewed a new building about 41 feet 6 inches tall with up to five retail units, set back about ten feet from University Parkway. Part of the building at 41 West University Parkway would be removed to create parking and a 24-foot access easement, part of the Barber Bros Subdivision Plat C approved by the Planning Commission February 5, 2020. Staff said parking requirements are met and elevations match the existing structure.
Item Work session · Budget
Comprehensive Financial Sustainability Plan update (work session)
Discussed
Consultants from Lewis Young Robertson & Burningham said Orem's sales tax growth is unlikely to be sustainable and that the general operations property tax rate fell from .001166 in 2009 to .000910 in 2019. City Manager Jamie Davidson said the current cost curve is unsustainable and he anticipates an incremental property tax increase to be part of the budget conversation to maintain council priorities.
Item Work session · Other
Employee compensation philosophy (work session)
Discussed
Human Resources Director Keri Rugg presented proposed changes to the city's compensation guideline, balancing merit and performance with external market data and internal equity. Staff said they will ask the council to adopt the changes by resolution.
Item Work session · Presentation
Pediatric trauma care unit at Timpanogos Hospital (work session)
Discussed
Dr. Trotter asked for community support for a Level 2 pediatric trauma center in Utah County, saying most cases are now transferred to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. Hospital CEO Mr. Anderson said the hospital has opened a four-bed pediatric ICU.
Item Work session · Presentation
Census 2020 outreach (work session)
Discussed
Staff described the city census committee's outreach, including utility inserts, signs, library bookmarks, social media and a March 26 kickoff meeting.
Presentation
Beautification Advisory Commission annual report
Discussed
The commission reviewed its 2019 activities and 2020 goals.
What residents said
Property tax outlookLong-term city finances
No one spoke during personal appearances.