Orem council adopts $152.3 million tentative budget and allows indoor go-cart tracks in PD36 zone
May 9, 2023, 3:00 p.m. · Orem City Center, 56 North State Street, Orem
The council adopted a $152,344,861 tentative budget for 2023-24, set the final hearing for June 13 and sent notice to Utah County of its intent to ask voters to renew the CARE tax. It added indoor go-cart tracks as a permitted use in the PD36 zone and approved a conditional use permit for a pediatric palliative care facility at 370 W 500 N. Council Members Terry Peterson and Tom Macdonald were not listed as present.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Taxes and fees
CARE tax allocations for 2023 (work session)
Discussed
Finance Director Brandon Nelson said 32 organizations applied for CARE tax funds, requesting $1,174,175 against $1,177,333 available. Council Members David Spencer and Jeff Lambson, who serve on the CARE committee, explained how applicants were chosen. Discussion focused on major grants, including SCERA theater, where Acting City Manager Brenn Bybee mentioned fencing, lighting and digital signage improvements at the SCERA shell and pool, as well as the Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra, Lakeside Sports Complex, SCERA Park and a trackless train at SCERA Park.
- Budget$1.18 million
City code
Policy on city flagpoles and social media profile images (work session)
Discussed
City Attorney Steve Earl proposed a policy limiting flags on city-owned flagpoles to the U.S., Armed Forces, POW/MIA, state, ceremonial state, UVU and Orem city flags, with the city keeping exclusive control, and limiting city social media profile pictures to approved city logos and emblems. It would not limit comments or posts. The council asked to add Oremfest banners; a SCERA representative asked about art district banners, which Earl said could be added by resolution. The resolution was to return May 16.
Roads and utilities
Orem logo painted at intersections (work session)
Discussed
Traffic staff described thermoplastic logo markings that are melted into the road and last about five years. A 20-by-20-foot, two-color design would cost about $5,300. Staff proposed State Street at 800 North, at Center Street and at University Parkway; Council Member David Spencer suggested more locations near city entrances. Staff will bring concepts back.
- Purchase$5,300
City code
Rental dwelling license fee for accessory dwelling units (work session)
Discussed
Ryan Clark presented draft code language: the owner of a house with a legal accessory dwelling unit would pay the license fee on the initial application but not on an ongoing basis, and a new owner would have to apply and pay the initial fee. The ordinance was set for May 16.
Other
Business Safety and Security grant and Neighborhood Refresh grant (work session)
Discussed
Staff proposed using leftover Neighborhood in Action funds for two programs: a Neighborhood Refresh grant for residents, with $20,000, and a Business Safety and Security grant, with $40,000, for security upgrades. The Orem Neighborhood Commission recommended the funding, and no CDBG money would be used for the business program. The council asked for updates.
- Grant$20,000
- Grant$40,000
Appointment
Kris Pease proposed as city representative to NUVAS board (work session)
Discussed
Police Lieutenant Michael Paraskeva proposed Kris Pease as Orem's representative to the NUVAS Special Service District board while he remains on the board. Council Member David Spencer suggested council members tour the animal shelter. A resolution was set for May 16.
Zoning
Indoor go-cart tracks permitted in the PD36 zone (public hearing)
Approved · 4-0
The council amended Section 22-11-49(C) to add indoor go-cart tracks (land use code 7233) as a permitted use in the PD36 zone, which includes the area around 1439 N 1380 W. Staff recommended the change as consistent with other businesses in the area. Members discussed parking, noise and possible downsides. No one spoke at the hearing.
- Zone: PD36
- Use added: Go-cart tracks (indoor only), SLU code 7233
Development
Conditional use permit for a pediatric palliative care facility at 370 W 500 N (Brades' Place)
Approved · 4-0
The council approved a resolution granting a conditional use permit for Brades' Place to operate a pediatric palliative care facility at 370 W 500 N. Assistant Development Services Director Jason Bench presented it with the business owner.
Budget
Fiscal 2023-24 tentative budget of $152,344,861 (public hearing)
Approved · 4-0
The council adopted the tentative 2023-24 budget of $152,344,861 and scheduled the final budget hearing for June 13. Mr. Nelson said revenues are projected to rise $11,724,998 over the current year, mainly from sales tax, property tax and interest, and the budget funds step and merit raises and market adjustments, an 8% health insurance increase, $2,939,000 in fleet replacement and $14,094,298 in capital projects, and creates a Development Fees Fund. The budget has grown from $125,326,548 in fiscal 2021. Orem's water bill averages $47.82 against a $74.43 comparison average; sewer $35.79 vs. $42.70; storm water $8.20 vs. $8.48; and Waste Management's trash rate would rise from $12.55 to $12.95 and recycling from $4.40 to $4.65. Public works staff said the 950 North reconstruction must wait for utilities and that 400 West near 1600 North is funded, in design and expected to start this fall. No one spoke at the hearing.
- Budget$152.3 million
Taxes and fees
Notice to Utah County of intent to put CARE tax renewal on the ballot
Approved · 4-0
City Attorney Steve Earl said state law requires the council to notify Utah County of its intent to submit an opinion question to voters on renewing the CARE tax; the county has 60 days to respond. The council approved the resolution.
What residents said
Parking and noise at go-cart tracks