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Bluff hearing draws support for draft cemetery ordinance; town to finish survey before transfer from San Juan County
Summary
A draft ordinance would create a Bluff Cemetery Board and a cemetery sexton role, and enable the town to collect fees and manage operations for a northwest cemetery parcel. Commenters thanked drafters and urged public engagement and clarity on surveying and boundaries; San Juan County is reported to be supportive of the transfer process.
Bluff staff presented a draft cemetery ordinance on Oct. 28 that would create a Town of Bluff Cemetery Board, establish a cemetery sexton position responsible for operations, and enable the town to collect fees for burials and related services.
Erin Nelson, who presented the draft, said the ordinance focuses on the "structural foundation" for cemetery operations — authority, access hours, plot sizes and related procedures — and that additional rules and aesthetics could later be set by the cemetery board. She said the ordinance would cover a specific northwestern parcel of the Bluff Cemetery area, describing a recent burial area roughly "112 by 8 foot" with plots already sold, and that the town is conducting surveys and ground‑penetrating radar (GPR) work to confirm usable acreage before finalizing a transfer from San Juan County.
Josh Ewing, speaking as the incoming mayor, thanked staff for the work on multiple ordinance drafts and suggested the town consider informal public open houses to help residents understand lengthy ordinance packages. He said he read the materials and recommended additional public outreach. No online participants requested to speak on this ordinance during the hearing. Staff noted San Juan County commissioners are "on board" with transfer in principle but that formal paperwork and a completed survey are needed before an official transfer.
The item was presented for public comment; the council did not take final action during the hearing. Written comments will be accepted through Nov. 7, 2025.
