Maintaining a safe, secure community is the City of Orem’s highest priority and we want to be transparent about the resources required to make that happen.
This is the central resource for information regarding the proposed property tax increase to fund the hiring of two new police officers and cover their vehicle, gear, equipment, and training.
We invite you to explore the facts, understand the impact on our community, and participate in the upcoming public hearings.
Official Property Tax Notices
Why is the City Considering a Property Tax Increase Now?
To Protect Orem’s Everyday Safety
Truth-in-Taxation Quick Facts
- The Proposal: A targeted property tax increase of 7.01% for a total of approximately $450,000.
- The Purpose: Every penny of this increase is for hiring and outfitting two new police officers. Under state law these funds cannot be used for anything else.
- Cost per Household: For the average Orem home valued at $520,000, the increase equals $11.73 per year or roughly $1 per month. You can calculate it for your property with this tool.
- Orem’s Track Record: The City of Orem has raised property taxes once in the last 48 years. Raising taxes is always the last resort.
- Great Value: Even with this increase, Orem’s property taxes remain among the lowest in Utah County. See how Orem compares.
- Creating Stability: Unlike sales tax, which fluctuates with the economy, property tax is Orem’s most stable and predictable revenue source. Emergency services need reliable funding regardless of economic shifts.
- Scope: This 7.01% increase only applies to the City of Orem’s portion of your total tax bill and does not affect the portions collected by the school district or county.
Your Property Tax Dollars could be 100% dedicated to keeping Orem safe
The Mayor and City Council are considering establishing the Public Safety Special Revenue Fund where100% of Orem’s general property tax goes towards funding police and fire department operations. This change:
- Maximizes transparency & accountability
- Secures a stable revenue source for our core emergency services
- Improves long-term strategic planning for the Chiefs
- Guarantees a strong foundational budget to support our brave first responders
Please note: If your tax notice shows a “100% increase,” do not be alarmed. Because the City is creating a new, dedicated Public Safety Fund, Utah County tax notices often display this as a “100% increase” because it is a new fund allocation. It does NOT mean your total property tax bill has doubled. The actual increase in the total city portion of the property tax is 7.01%.
Public Hearing Information & resources
Public Hearing
The Truth-in-Taxation public hearing will be held on Thursday, August 27th at 6pm in Orem City Hall
Public Comment
Public Comment Form
Participate in the Public Hearing Virtually
Property Tax Calculator
See how this property tax affects you specifically:
Orem Property Tax Calculator Tool
How Utah Property Taxes Work
Utah has one of the most unique property tax systems in the country. The City doesn't get more money when property values increase. Learn more with these videos.
Orem has stretched every tax dollar & resource
Before asking taxpayers for additional funding through a property tax increase, the City spent years reducing costs, winning grants, reorganizing departments, combining positions, and finding efficiencies. Tax increases are never the default solution in Orem.
- Only one property tax increase since 1978
- Independent third-party citywide efficiency study
- Department restructures to save $1.3 million
- Second lowest combined fees and taxes among comparable Utah cities
- $17.8 million in grants secured by the City of Orem since 2023
Public Safety Costs have changed dramatically
Public safety operations are not immune from the skyrocketing inflation you’ve seen and felt in your own life. The price tag on the vital vehicles and equipment first responders rely on has drastically increased. Items such as body cams, bulletproof vests, fuel, and SCBA facepieces have all seen major price increases.
Orem has grown in different ways
Our permanent resident count hasn’t grown much in recent years, but Orem’s daily population has reached historic highs. Between the tens of thousands of UVU students and nearly 42 million annual visitors to our local businesses, venues, and events, our first responders are serving and protecting a much larger population than our census numbers show. Our officers need additional backup and resources to keep Orem safe for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the City proposing a property tax increase?
The City of Orem is proposing a targeted property tax increase to hire and outfit two police officers. This would cover their salaries, dedicated patrol vehicles, specialized equipment, and protective gear. Hiring two police officers will greatly improve the police department’s ability to maintain necessary staffing levels.
Why are these two police officers needed?
In 2025, the Orem Police Department responded to over 61,000 calls for help. While Orem’s resident population is not growing, our daytime population is increasing year over year as more people come to Orem for work, shopping, school, sports, events, and activities.
These two police officers are needed to maintain emergency response, proactive policing, event security, specialized police programs such as school resource officers, and deliver the high public safety service levels our community expects.
Why is property tax being considered to cover the costs of the officers?
Earlier this year, the Orem City Council stated its intent to dedicate 100% of property tax revenues exclusively to public safety services.
While property tax funds would only cover a small portion of the total public safety budget (about 20%), it is Orem’s most stable and predictable source of revenue. Dedicating it to public safety helps ensure that our essential emergency services remain reliably and properly funded year after year, regardless of economic shifts.
How much would this cost the average homeowner?
For a home valued at $520,000, the proposed increase would be approximately $11.73 per year, or about $1 per month. You can calculate the cost on any primary residential property by clicking here.
Why doesn’t the City just make cuts in other departments to fund these new officers?
The City of Orem continually reviews its budgets to identify cost savings and ensure tax dollars are used efficiently. Our other municipal departments, such as parks, roads, water, etc., are already operating on highly optimized and stretched budgets. Cutting their funding to cover police expenses would mean reducing community services, delaying repairs, and neglecting important maintenance.
Hiring new officers is a permanent, long-term financial commitment that temporary budget trims cannot cover. Using a dedicated property tax that can only be spent by the police department ensures our law enforcement efforts are backed by a stable, reliable revenue source that doesn’t compromise other city services.
Does the City get more money automatically when home values go up?
No. In Utah, cities receive the same dollar amount of property tax revenue as the previous year regardless if property values increase. The only way property taxes can increase is for the City to go through the Truth in Taxation process.
- Revenue-Driven, Not Rate-Driven – Cities are guaranteed prior-year revenue. As property values rise, the certified rate automatically decreases. Rates only go up when a city goes through the Truth-in-Taxation process.
- Truth-in-Taxation Hearings – Any city wishing to collect more revenue than the prior year must hold a public Truth-in-Taxation hearing. This makes sure residents are aware and invited to weigh in before a vote.
- The 45% Residential Exemption – Primary residences in Utah are only taxed on 55% of their market value. This built-in exemption saves homeowners thousands of dollars each year. Investment and commercial properties are taxed at 100% of value.
What is Truth in Taxation?
Truth in Taxation is a Utah state law designed to protect property owners from ”silent” tax increases. If a city wants to collect even one dollar more in property taxes than last year, it must directly notify property owners, hold a public hearing, and require an open vote by the City Council.
What happens if the increase is not approved?
If the property tax increase is not approved, the police department will not hire the two officers and will adjust workload and coverage with current personnel. This will limit the department’s ability to do more proactive policing and increase overtime costs.
Can the money be used for anything besides police officers?
No. Utah state law requires cities to explicitly declare the purpose of the property tax increase, and it cannot be diverted to other city projects or services. These funds are entirely locked into funding two police officers.
How will the City report back to residents?
To ensure 100% accountability, the City Council is considering a dedicated Public Safety Special Revenue Fund into which all property taxes, including this proposed increase, will be deposited and kept completely separate from the rest of the City budget, restricted to public safety operations. This fund will be independently audited each year and submitted directly to the Utah State Auditor.
How does Orem’s tax rate compare with other cities?
Even with this proposed increase, Orem’s property taxes are some of the lowest in Utah. The below chart compares Orem’s proposed 2026 property tax rate to other cities’ 2025 rates.
When will the City Council make the final decision?
The final decision will be made at a public hearing on the final budget on August 27 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
How can I comment?
Residents are invited to make comments on this proposed property tax increase in-person at any of the following City Council meetings: July 14, July 28, August 11, and August 27. The final decision will be made at the August 27th meeting.
Comments can also be digitally submitted by emailing [email protected], texting 801-229-7000, or submitting this form.
Why does my tax notice say a 100% increase?
Don’t be alarmed if your Truth in Taxation notice shows a 100% increase to Orem’s new Public Safety Fund and a 0% balance for the City’s general property tax. That’s how Utah County displays a newly created property tax fund. It does not mean your city property taxes are doubling or that there is no existing City property tax. The City of Orem is proposing a 7.01% increase in the total property tax it collects, with all of the revenue dedicated to the new Public Safety Fund for police and fire services.
Does the 7% property tax increase apply to my entire property tax bill?
No, the 7.01% increase only applies to the City of Orem’s portion of your property tax bill. Other taxing entities, like the school district, Utah County, and others, set their own rates. This increase affects only the amount collected by the City of Orem.
How can I find out how much the proposed tax increase will be for my specific property?
You can look up your estimated tax increase by using the property valuation lookup tool on the Utah County Auditor’s website. You can also get a close estimate by using our property tax calculator.
I’m on a fixed income. What resources exist for tax relief?
The State of Utah and Utah County offer several tax relief and abatement programs to help reduce the burden on vulnerable homeowners. Qualifying residents can apply for the following programs:
- The Circuit Breaker Program (Low-Income Senior/Widow Abatement): Available to homeowners age 67 or older (or surviving spouses of any age) who meet specific household income limits. This program can significantly reduce your property tax bill by providing a direct credit and a reduction in your home’s taxable value.
- Indigent/Extreme Hardship Abatement: For individuals under age 67 who are experiencing severe financial hardship or have a verified disability that impacts their income.
- Property Tax Deferral: For senior homeowners (typically age 75+), this program allows you to defer paying your property taxes entirely. The taxes accrue at a reduced interest rate and do not become due until the home is eventually sold or transferred.
- Veteran and Blind Exemptions: Dedicated property tax exemptions are also available for disabled veterans (or their unmarried surviving spouses) and individuals who are legally blind.
How to Apply: These programs are administered by Utah County. Applications must be submitted by September 1st to reflect on your current year’s tax notice. To check current income limits, verify qualifications, or request an application, you can contact the Utah County Clerk/Auditor’s Office at (801) 851-8236 or visit their website.