Bluff to issue RFP and review draft cemetery ordinance as town sorts ownership and bylaws

At its June 24 work session, the Bluff Town Council reviewed a draft ordinance and associated forms for the Bluff Cemetery and confirmed that a Request for Proposals (RFP) would be issued on June 27, 2025, with a target of completing the project by December 31, 2025.

Mayor Ann K. Leppanen summarized the unresolved questions staff must address before establishing a cemetery board, including how property transfers should be handled and how to account for burials that were placed by a now‑nonexistent San Juan County special service district. Historically, residents seeking burial plots “went to Robin Bond” to request and pay for a plot and to receive a Certificate of Burial, the council heard; staff will document that process in drafting bylaws and board responsibilities.

Council members also noted that a Southwest Heritage Foundation survey has not been completed, while surveys tied to the Hole In The Rock Foundation and San Juan County cemetery records do exist. The council reported that recent markers being used at burials are round monuments labeled “Bluff Cemetery,” placed by archaeology volunteers.

Mayor Leppanen asked council members and residents to review comparable cemetery ordinances and to contact her if they are willing to volunteer on the process. Staff was asked to return recommended ordinance language, a proposed board structure and any completed survey results for further consideration.

The council did not adopt an ordinance at this session; it directed staff and volunteers to compile background material and legal comparisons to inform a future ordinance and board creation decision.