The Bluff Town Council approved several policy changes and legal contracts during its September 15, 2026, regular meeting, according to meeting minutes published October 9. The council also voted to pause road construction in a specific area and adopted a formal stance regarding San Juan County Proposition 7.
The council voted unanimously to award a legal counsel contract to Hayes Godfrey Bell. Mayor Ewing and Town Manager Nelson reviewed bids following an extended request for proposals process that resulted in four bids. The council selected the firm due to its extensive Utah municipal experience and the qualifications of partner Todd Godfrey. While the firm's base rate is $220 per hour, the council noted that their high volume of municipal clients may provide cost efficiencies through pre-existing templates. A formal resolution to appoint Godfrey as the official town attorney will follow at a future meeting.
Regarding personnel, the council approved a new employee benefits policy with an abstention from Council Member Wade. Under the new policy, full-time employees working 36 or more hours are eligible for health insurance, maternity or parental leave, URS retirement, and paid time off. Part-time employees working between 20 and 36 hours are eligible for URS retirement and PTO but not health insurance. The policy also establishes that employees may carry over up to 1.5 years of accrued vacation, though separation payouts are capped at one year of accrued hours.
The council reached several decisions regarding town operations and infrastructure. A vote was held to put road construction and activity on 6th West on hold until a complete resolution is reached with the landowner. Additionally, the council approved a new vehicle use policy that requires pre- and post-vehicle inspection logs and prohibits children under 18 from being passengers in town vehicles.
In a joint session with the Planning and Zoning Commission, officials discussed a comprehensive revamp of the town's zoning code to align with recent state legislation. Proposed changes include combining agricultural zones into A1 and A2, simplifying commercial zones into C1 and C2, and adding a new Factory Industrial zone. The council also discussed restricting new RV parks to C2 zones to protect the San Juan River corridor from development or flooding.
The council also discussed an interlocal agreement with Monticello City to provide building inspection services. The agreement would involve Monticello paying the Town of Bluff $10,000 annually. The council decided to table this item to allow the new legal counsel to review the agreement and to further discuss inspector compensation and liability.
Upcoming community events include a pancake breakfast fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, September 19, at 8:00 a.m. at the fire station. Additionally, a meet-the-candidates event is scheduled for September 30 at the community center.
