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Bluff outlines FY2027 projects and staffing additions in budget preview
Summary
At the May 19 open house Bluff leaders described several FY2027 proposals: BRICC renovation with EECBG grants, an $83,000 roads matching grant, a $95,000 allocation to study secondary water, funding for dark-sky and trails, a contracted maintenance role, a Minute Taker/ADA Compliance position, and first-time employee benefits.
Bluff officials used a May 19 Budget Open House to preview proposed FY2027 projects and staffing changes that town leaders said respond to grant opportunities, tourism volatility and growing administrative demands.
Town Manager Erin Nelson outlined capital and staffing items in the proposal: an $83,000 matching grant from the San Juan Transportation Board for roads; EECBG grants for insulation and lighting tied to the Bluff Rural Innovation and Civic Center (BRICC) renovation; a proposed part-time Minute Taker/ADA Compliance role to improve accessibility and ease staff bandwidth; a contracted maintenance position to manage facilities and the cemetery; and the first-time inclusion of employee benefits (approximately $19,000 health insurance and $13,000 retirement). Nelson also said the town proposed $15,000 for dark-sky lighting improvements and $5,000 for trail work and maintenance.
Water project: Councilmember Gary Haws and Patrick McDermott were listed as leaders for a Secondary Water Project breakout; the FY2027 capital budget includes $95,000 for feasibility studies and initial testing to explore San Juan River water rights and a secondary water system for gardens, agriculture and well backup.
Process and public access: Organizers noted the open house was informal and that no council votes were taken; presentation slides will be posted to the town website under Current Year Agendas and Minutes. Most breakouts concluded around 7:00 p.m., with some attendees staying until about 7:45 p.m. for additional questions.
