North Logan City Explores Name Change to Address Tax Revenue Loss

North Logan, a city in Utah with approximately 12,000 residents, is considering a name change to Greenville, a name it held prior to incorporation in 1934. City officials believe the current name contributes to confusion and may be hindering tax revenue collection. Mayor Lyndsay Peterson stated they are evaluating the implications and potential benefits of this change.

The city has initiated discussions about the name change with the lieutenant governor’s office and consultants. “This is kind of the starting off point where we say, ‘Is it worth walking down this path?’” Mayor Peterson remarked, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The council’s interest in this issue has prompted the current exploration.

One of the main reasons for considering a name change is the reported loss in tax revenue, particularly in terms of sales tax. Mayor Peterson explained that the city shares its zip code with parts of nearby Logan, complicating tax collection. “We’re not collecting the taxes we should be collecting,” she added. This situation is further complicated by online sales, where transactions are not always directed back to the originating location of the buyer and seller.

Despite the challenges in quantifying the exact revenue losses, the city is actively seeking community input on the potential name change. Public meetings are planned to gauge resident opinions, and an informal poll has already been conducted. The results indicated that 56 percent of respondents support the name Greenville, while 32 percent prefer North Logan, and 12 percent favor alternative names.

Financial Implications and Community Feedback

If the name change occurs, the city has budgeted for the replacement of outdated signage that currently displays the old logo. However, these updates will only proceed after a final decision is made regarding the name. Mayor Peterson acknowledged that there is no specific timeline for this decision, as the city is still in the early stages of the process. The entire evaluation could potentially take up to a year.

The push for a name change reflects the city’s broader efforts to enhance its economic development. As North Logan moves forward with this initiative, the outcome will depend significantly on community sentiment and the potential benefits that could follow a successful transition.