Payson considers its founding year as 1882, at which time it was known as Green Valley or Union Park. On March 3, 1884, the town officially established a post office. Postmaster Frank C. Hise recommended that the town be named after a man named Louis Edwin Payson. Senator Payson was very instrumental in the establishment of the Post Office. In honor of Payson’s help, the town decided to change the name to Payson.

The town government consists of the mayor, Bob Edwards, and six council members: Vice-Mayor Tim Fruth, Ed Blair, Su Connell, Andy Romance, John Wilson, and Mike Vogel.  For more information about Payson's Town Government please visit - www.ci.payson.az.us