Bluff council to continue using San Juan County ambulance services and awards audit contract to Larson & Company

Bluff — At its July 7 meeting the Bluff Town Council voted unanimously to authorize Mayor Josh Ewing to sign a letter confirming that the town will continue to utilize San Juan County Ambulance Services, and separately awarded the town’s annual accounting audit contract to Larson & Company.

Jeremy Hoggard summarized SB215, explaining the state now requires municipalities and counties to designate EMS as an essential service. Staff issued an RFP for county EMS coverage but received no competitive bids; Hoggard said a letter from the town confirming use of San Juan County services satisfies the legislative requirement and avoids a town-level procurement at this time. Mayor Ewing offered to host a community meeting to share details about a related ballot initiative that San Juan County commissioners are advancing.

On the audit contract, staff reported outreach to 14 firms and said Larson & Company returned the only proposal. Staff reviewed Larson’s fee schedule and noted an annual audit price in the roughly $10,000–$12,000 range and a quoted price for a single audit if federal expenditures exceed $1 million. Council voted to accept Larson & Company’s bid and award the contract by unanimous roll call.

Both votes were procedural and carried without debate after staff presented background information. The mayor will sign the EMS letter and staff will execute the audit contract per standard procurement procedures.