Orem Ballot wording on referendum won't include UTOPIA.

The Utah Supreme court ruled against including specific reference to UTOPIA in the
ballot wording for the ballot for or against the proposed property tax increase on the ballot
in the November election.

Despite the fact that all legal documents regarding UTOPIA indicated the funds for
UTOPIA were backed by sales tax dollars, the Orem city council voted in August 2012
to raise property taxes to meet the UTOPIA payments now due.

The ruling on the ballot written by Orem City Attorney Greg Stephens will be:

"On Aug. 15, 2012, the Orem City Council passed Resolution No. R-2012-0014, which adopted a budget for fiscal year 2012-13 and adjusted Orem's property tax to raise an additional $1,700,000 per year for municipal operations. The Orem property tax on a $187,000 residence would change from $192 to $242, which is $50 per year. The Orem property tax on a $187,000 business would change from $350 to $440, which is $90 per year. The property tax adjustment will take effect only if approved by voters. Are you for or against the property tax adjustment taking effect?"