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Designer presents second-round logo concepts; commissioners debate rebranding and costs
Summary
Matt Casner presented revised logo concepts to Linn County commissioners. Commissioners voiced mixed feedback, some favoring a refined version of the current logo; designer said full brand kit and style guide will be provided and estimated project costs under $5,000.
Matt Casner, a graphic designer hired to develop a new county brand, presented a second round of logo concepts and received mixed feedback from commissioners and staff.
Casner said he incorporated previous feedback — reducing red in one concept and exploring a maple-leaf motif and courthouse steeple to reflect local history, including references to James Montgomery and the county’s recent Underground Railroad network designation. He described producing a full brand kit and style guide that would include color hex values, fonts and multiple file formats for print and digital use.
Commissioners and staff expressed differing views. Some said they favored a refreshed version of the existing logo (including the current maple leaf and sword elements) rather than a wholesale change. Concerns raised included community backlash to changing the logo, the cost to implement a rebrand on vehicles and county materials, and implications of using the courthouse steeple as a long-term symbol (one commissioner said using the courthouse steeple could imply an ongoing maintenance commitment to future commissions).
Casner told the commission the design and brand kit work would cost less than $5,000 and that he would deliver a package intended to ensure consistent, high-quality application of the logo across letterhead, websites, signage and apparel. He also recommended possible engagement steps, including an online poll or forming a review committee, and said he would return with revised options that incorporate commissioners’ feedback — for example, keeping a maple leaf element and experimenting with updated fonts.
What happens next: Casner said he will revise concepts based on the feedback and return with additional options. County staff suggested making a public poll available on the county website and social media once new options are submitted.
Direct quotes from the meeting are drawn from the commission transcript and attributed to the presenter or commissioners where the record names them.
