Last week, Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert signed documents establishing the birthday of Utah's 244th municipality.

Near the entrance to scenic Bryce Canyon National Park, the 3.6-square mile town is owned by descendants of Ruby's founder, Reuben (Ruby) Syrett.

Its recent formation sparked national interest when comedian Stephen Colbert touted the resort-town's newest attraction as the world's largest tax loophole. With incorporation, sales tax revenue that used to flow to Garfield County will now fund infrastructure and services within Bryce Canyon City.

Colbert went a step further, announcing similar incorporation of his Comedy Central show, the award-winning ''Colbert Report.'' Half his studio audience became new townsfolk that night to achieve the required population of at least 100 people.

"We're debating whether we should approach Colbert about a sister-city relationship," quipped Ruby's general manager Jean Seiler on Tuesday. ''But we think we've got 'em on scenery.''

Levity aside, crafters of the new town realize they have considerable work ahead.

"Everything is a new question," Seiler said, acknowledging that the freshly appointed town council and mayor need to lay a "proper" foundation for the fledgling hamlet.

"Our initial plan is to meet and get everyone sworn in. Our first council meeting will likely be next week" - after a suitable meeting place and sites to post agendas get nailed down, Seiler said.

The town's first mayor Rod Syrett, Ruby's grandson, emphasized that the inn itself has not become Bryce Canyon City.

"Ruby's Inn is only a business within the town," said Syrett in a recent news release. "Bryce Canyon City is made up of the residents who live here."

According to the release, 1.5 million people flocked to the park last year. In addition to Ruby's, the diminutive town is also filled with homes, apartments, restaurants, a general store, car-care center, gas stations, an old post office and established roads.

"We finally have a town P.O. Box number" - 640028, Seiler said.

Roads must be categorized as public or private, named and assigned exact coordinates. Then comes the work of pounding out the community's general plan, Seiler said.

With aid from the Utah League of Cities and Towns and the Five-County Association of Governments, Seiler expects the town's underpinnings to slowly take shape.

But for now, top priority is where to hold the first council meeting for this small town in the heart of Utah's great outdoors. "I think we'll hold it indoors somewhere," Seiler grinned.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com