Orem council approves business license revocation changes; members press for disclosure rules on 501(c)(4) groups in city elections
September 9, 2025, 3:00 p.m. · 56 North State Street, Orem
The Orem City Council approved, on its consent agenda, amendments to the business license revocation process. In the work session, members questioned how donor-undisclosed 501(c)(4) groups figure in city elections, and the mayor asked the city attorney to research New York and Connecticut disclosure rules. Members also gave feedback on the Heart of Downtown study after a tour of Herriman and Daybreak and heard the myOrem portal will launch in January. Mayor David Young was absent from the work session, led by Mayor Pro Tem Jenn Gale.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item W1 · Presentation
myOrem portal update
Discussed
Software project manager McKay Barton said the unified login and payment wallet will launch in January, beginning with utility billing and business licensing, with older applications to be moved over in following years. Council Member Spencer noted a security benefit from simplifying public-facing systems.
Item W2 · General plan
Heart of Downtown study: civic tour feedback
Discussed
Community Development Director Gary McGinn reported on a summer tour of Herriman public spaces and the Daybreak ballpark plaza, which converts from a summer stage to a winter ice rink. The council supported a similar dual-use stage and ice rink or turf area at the SCERA park, relocating the parking, coordinating with UTA, finishing the Active Transportation Plan, and planning for medium-sized family events of 2,000 to 5,000 people rather than large festivals. Staff will fold the feedback into a refined concept for the consultant.
Item W3 · City code
501(c)(4) organizations and campaign transparency
Discussed
City Attorney Steve Earl explained that 501(c)(4) social welfare groups may engage in political activity if it is not their primary purpose, report political spending to the IRS on Form 990, and are generally not required to disclose donors; New York and Connecticut require added donor disclosure, though it is unclear whether a city rule would survive a legal challenge and state action might be more effective. Mayor Young said the lack of donor visibility makes it impossible to follow the money and asked Earl to research the New York and Connecticut rules. Council Member Millett said she presented evidence that a local group's in-kind donations to three candidates in 2023 were not disclosed until December after the election and favored a municipal ordinance regardless of potential challenge. Council Member Spencer supported transparency, Council Member Gale cautioned against redefining reporting rules for a federal designation locally, Council Member Lambson asked for a hard legal opinion, and Council Member Killpack said he awaited more legal information. Council Member Macdonald explained independent expenditures and noted a related 501(c)(4) and a separate transparent political action committee.
Item W4 · Presentation
Constitution Month, Taste of Orem and United Way community assessment
Discussed
Staff described Constitution Month activities and the inaugural Taste of Orem on September 19-20 at City Center Park, with 20 restaurants and more than $6,000 in presale tickets. United Way reported Utah County housing costs up 72% since 2015, rising mental health stress among students, and 55% of residents finding it hard to make friends in their neighborhood.
Item R1 · Presentation
Recognitions and reports
Discussed
The council honored a longtime Orem High School cross country and track coach who died last month, recognized bystanders, dispatchers, police, fire and hospital staff for a cardiac arrest rescue, invited residents to September 13 service projects, heard a MyHometown update on a new neighborhood and the library's summer reading results (over 3,300 registered).
Item 9 · City code
Consent: business licensing revocation amendments and Public Works Advisory Commission reappointments
Approved · 6-0
The council approved an ordinance amending the business license revocation process and reappointed four members of the Public Works Advisory Commission. At the August 26 work session, staff had proposed using an outside administrative law judge, specific grounds for revocation or suspension, and a 10-business-day appeal period.
What residents said
Campaign finance transparencyDowntown arts district
No one spoke during personal appearances.