The Bluff Town Council addressed several municipal updates during a regular meeting on September 1, 2026, according to meeting minutes published September 6.
Key discussions during the session included the hiring of a new Emergency Services Coordinator and a decision regarding employee retirement benefits through Utah Retirement Services.
The council approved Resolution #109 to initiate Utah Retirement Services benefits for full-time staff, though a formal employee benefits policy remains pending further discussion. The vote passed four to one, with Spencer Wade abstaining due to a conflict of interest.
Regarding emergency services, Town Manager Erin Nelson reported that Nizhoni Begay has been offered the part-time Emergency Services Coordinator position. Begay, who has experience in EMS and wildland fire, was scheduled to start on September 8, 2026.
On infrastructure, the council reviewed a $100,000 proposal for a chip sealing project in West Bluff. The project will proceed on Sagbrush, 5th Street, and 4th Street, but was excluded from Sixth West due to potential boundary and right-of-way disputes until legal counsel can resolve the issues.
The council also reached a consensus to take a supportive position regarding San Juan County's Proposition 7, a proposed 1% sales tax increase to fund county emergency medical services. Mayor Josh Ewing noted that a formal vote on this position will occur at the next regular meeting.
Additionally, the council decided against blanket chemical spraying for goat heads in public rights-of-way in front of private properties. Instead, the town will focus herbicide use on town-owned properties and coordinate with San Juan County to provide herbicide for residents who wish to treat their own land.
Upcoming scheduled items for the council include a joint meeting with Planning and Zoning on September 15, 2026, regarding zoning code changes. An Emergency Services Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser is scheduled for September 19, 2026, at the Bluff Fire Station.
