Property Tax Increase and Public Safety Funding

Former mayor stated that while police need officers and the money can easily be found in the budget, restructuring the property tax into a special fund is a one-way street to higher taxes.

Spoke in support of the tax increase from a law enforcement background, emphasizing the importance of retaining trained officers.

Supported police funding but opposed funding it through property taxes, suggesting sales tax or budget cuts instead.

Additional comments reiterating impacts on housing and affordability.

Supported police and fire but argued that creating a special revenue fund creates a false shortfall to justify a permanent tax increase.

Expressed strong support for public safety and the special revenue fund, stating the tax increase is minimal and necessary.

Argued against the tax increase, pointing out that recent impact fee hikes and property taxes hit renters and young families hard.

Supported the tax increase and encouraged the council to keep an eye on inflation to retain top-tier officers.

Expressed concern that property taxes have risen significantly over the years, making it difficult for retirees on fixed incomes to stay in their homes.

Voiced support for the tax increase, noting that taxes are well-managed and necessary to support city needs.

Asked detailed questions about call volume trends, officer counts compared to other cities, and whether data supports the need for more officers.

Argued that past councils managed through high inflation without raising taxes by cutting costs and finding grants, challenging the council to do the hard work of budgeting.

Supported the tax increase, noting that Orem has not raised property taxes often and that growing daytime populations strain police services.

Argued that while police need more officers, changing the property tax structure to make future tax hikes easier is bad governance.

Agreed that additional police officers are needed but noted that property taxes fall inequitably on high-value, low-income homeowners.

Argued that public safety is being used as a talking point shield for a tax mechanism that will grow every year.

Expressed support for the tax increase after hearing data and the police chief's emotional testimony about the strain on officers.

Expressed gratitude for community value and support for the police chief, ultimately supporting the tax increase while acknowledging valid concerns.

Shared concerns as an elderly resident on a fixed income about how recurring tax increases force people out of their homes.

Argued that Orem's $212 million budget has plenty of room to absorb two officers without raising property taxes.

Former city council member urged the council to tap into the city's substantial reserves rather than raising taxes.