Gov. Gary Herbert signed SB175 on Monday to give the title of mayor to chairmen and chairwomen of metro townships in Salt Lake County.
Officials said that allows townships to have a direct voice in the county council of governments, and makes it easier to apply for some grants.
Townships in the county include such areas as Kearns, Magna, Copperton, Emigration Canyon and White City.
Feb. 16: Salt Lake County township leaders soon may be caled ‘mayor’
Areas in Salt Lake County could soon have a new title for the chairmen and chairwomen of metro township councils there: mayor.
The Senate Government Operations Committee voted unanimously Thursday to advance SB175 to the full Senate to make that and other changes.
Sen. Karen Mayne, D-West Valley City, sponsor of the bill, explained that groups such as the county council of governments require its members to have that title — so the change could allow townships to have a direct voice there. It also would make it easier for townships to apply directly for some grants.
Townships in the county include such areas as Kearns, Magna, Copperton, Emigration Canyon and White City.
Mayne said the residential areas have not formed into cities largely because they lack the needed commercial tax base — which often landed in surrounding cities. But she said by banding together, their 90,000 combined residents are able to provide municipal-type services and protect community identities.
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