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Bluff council readies for January point-in-time count, stresses accurate, documented reporting
Summary
Councilors discussed the upcoming January point-in-time homeless count, training and reporting procedures; members cautioned against inflating numbers and noted San Juan County previously reported zero unsheltered people — a figure several members said was not accurate.
Bluff, Utah — At its Dec. 9 work session the Bluff Town Council discussed preparations for the January point-in-time (PIT) unsheltered count and the town’s role on the Local Homeless Coordinating Council.
Speaker 1 told the council the PIT count typically runs over several days and that the state is expected to provide electronic reporting and training around the holidays. Speaker 1 said they would do the survey and encouraged the incoming council to designate a reliable person to assist. The speaker also noted that San Juan County’s first reported count recorded zero homeless people, an outcome several members questioned.
Speaker 1 cautioned against manipulating numbers to increase funding, saying the count should be realistic and documented: "The first year, San Juan County reported 0 homeless people, which I think we all would recognize that's not accurate." Councilors agreed that counts should be done in pairs with one person conducting interviews and another tabulating results; staff will pass along training information when it becomes available.
The council did not take formal action but asked staff to confirm dates and training availability so volunteers can be designated before the count.
