Bluff officials open public hearing on new cemetery ordinance, request survey before transfers

Town staff presented a draft ordinance Oct. 28 that would create a Bluff Cemetery Board, establish a cemetery sexton position responsible for operations, and allow the town to collect fees for the cemetery.

The draft ordinance focuses on the parcel in the northwest section of Bluff — described by staff as a recent burial area approximately 112 by 8 feet that already contains sold plots — and does not address the historic Pioneer Cemetery or the parcels currently managed by San Juan County. Staff said the town is arranging surveying and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to clarify the extent of usable land before completing any transfer paperwork.

"We would hope to transfer everything from San Juan County regarding this particular plot of land," a staff presenter said, adding that the San Juan County Commission is "on board with this" but that the process requires surveys and resolutions to complete the formal transfer.

During public comment, Josh Ewing, who identified himself as the incoming mayor, thanked staff for compiling a lengthy ordinance and suggested the town host a public open house so residents can review the material and ask questions in a less formal setting than a three-minute public comment period. "I will admit that this was the ordinance that I spent the least amount of time on... but what really did strike me is the amount crazy amount of work that you all have gone to put this together," Ewing said.

No formal action or vote on the ordinance occurred at the hearing. Staff asked for public written comments and reminded residents that written comments on this and other items would be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.

Next steps identified by staff include completing surveys (GPR and other methods) and preparing the transfer documents with San Juan County, after which the town would return to council/commission for any required approvals.