AUGUSTA -- Five different logos are competing to be the city's latest way to tell visitors, in a simple, sign-ready format, what's special about Augusta.

One of the proposed logos and associated taglines will be used on signs directing visitors to the city's downtown waterfront and other areas, and on city letterhead.

Visitors to the city's Web site can help pick which of the five logos will be selected for the marketing effort, by voting for their favorite. The city's site is: www.ci.augusta.me.us/.

The deadline to cast a vote is July 17.

"Let us know what you think, which ones you like," said Councilor David Rollins, chairman of the Branding Committee.

At a public "visioning session," residents offered suggestions for how the city should market itself.

Mayor Roger Katz said the consensus of the meetings was Augusta should market what is unique about the city.

Specifically, Katz said, what makes Augusta special compared to other communities is its status as the state capital, the Kennebec River running through the city, and the history of the city.

Katz said the logos and taglines generally include references to one or more of those three things, in various ways.

Taglines, or mottos, included on the proposed logos include: "Augusta! A Capital Opportunity," "Augusta on the Kennebec: The Renaissance on the River," "Augusta: Bridging our past to the future," "Augusta: all roads lead here," and "Augusta; Rising on the River."

"We're moving ahead to market Augusta as a great place to live and develop a business," Katz said. "Part of that is developing visuals for that effort. Those will be used on signage, to steer people from the major arteries of the city to what we think is special -- our downtown area."

Katz said the logo could be in use on signs and city literature by fall.

Members of the Branding Committee selected the five finalists from several proposals designed by Steve Pennisi, a Portland designer. Rollins said Pennisi has done work in Augusta previously, so he was already familiar with the city.

Development of the logo and taglines, not including their placement on signs, cost about $7,000, Katz said.

While input is sought, the final decision on which to use will be made by the Branding Committee. Katz noted the committee could decide to use the logo from one design, with the tagline from another.

Rollins noted the new logo is not meant to replace the city seal.

Keith Edwards -- 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com