The May 6 election brought a mixed bag of results around Madison County. Here are some of the highlights with comments from the people involved in and impacted by the results of the vote. Please note that due to time and space constraints not all issues and races got specific reactions and in some cases The Madisonian did not receive responses to requests for comment. 

Virginia City Courthouse Restoration County Bond
Yes  1849 passed
No   1699

“Investing in the Courthouse is further evidence of a fact that we’ve learned over the last couple decades: Madison County voters value Virginia City’s history and will only support those projects that compliment it,” commented Virginia City mayor Justin Gatewood.

Virginia City Resort Tax
For         86 passed
Against   21

“The passage  of the VC resort tax is a necessary victory, this tax helps with so many community needs, economic stability, and enhances residents quality of life,” said Virginia City resident Amy Kelley.

Sheridan Elementary School General Fund Levy
For             293
Against     417 failed

"While we’re deeply disappointed that the mill levy did not pass, we recognize that the taxpayers have spoken, and we respect their decision,” said Kendra Horn, Sheridan Schools Board of Trustees chair.
 

“As a result, we’re facing some tough choices, including looking at cutting high school art and reassigning staff to ensure elementary art continues. Some teachers will be giving up their prep periods, and administrators will step into classrooms to help cover instruction. Our budget will be tight, but we’re committed to doing everything we can to maintain a quality education for our students. With careful planning and continued community support, we hope to get back on track.”

Alder School General Fund Levy
For            60  passed
Against     38

“The Alder School Community: board of trustees, staff, parents, and students are very grateful to the Alder Elementary District voters for passing their general fund levy,” said Pam Birkeland, the superintendent of schools for Madison County and authorized representative for Alder School

“Through the generosity and support of the Alder community's passing of the levy, the Alder Elementary will be eligible to receive a 3% inflationary raise in state funding rather than a 2.4 % if the levy had failed. The district will be able to continue offering special classes in music, art, Spanish, and gardening, and the Alder students will continue to receive a high quality education,” she concluded. 

Ennis School Building Reserve Fund Levy
Yes   1127 passed
No     781

Amanda Harris started the Friends of Ennis Schools to educate the public about the need for the building reserve levy and to provide a path for communication between the school and the community. Here is her reaction to the levy passing. 

“I think the passage of the levy marks the start of a new chapter where enhanced communication and transparency will allow our community to thrive,” said Harris in a statement to The Madisonian.  

“This achievement is especially meaningful as we've overcome the challenges of previous failed levies through thoughtful communication and by challenging complacency,” she continued. “I want to see this dialogue continue and encourage our community to stay involved in the conversation.  Together, we can ensure that we're moving forward and working toward what's best for our students, our school and our community.”

Harris has hinted that the Friends of Ennis Schools group will continue to serve as a liaison between the school and the community in some fashion now that the election is over.  

“Friends of Ennis Schools will transition from a ballot committee to a new structure that is yet to be determined,” she said. “We know the journey ahead will be shaped by our community's continued involvement and we invite all those who are passionate about supporting our schools to get involved!” 

“Whether you have ideas, expertise or a willingness to help, there's a place for you to contribute.  In the meantime we encourage you to attend school board meetings, engage with your trustees and share your thoughts on what's important for our community,” she said.

Big Sky Resort Tax Renewal through 2065
Yes    971 passed
No      220

The extension of the Big Sky Resort tax was required for the other bonds on the ballot to be viable. 

Cold Smoke Housing Bond
Yes    735 passed
No     455

This allows the community of Big Sky to bond against future resort tax revenues to begin work on the Cold Smoke Community Housing Development without raising property taxes in the district.

“The Cold Smoke vote represents the Big Sky community’s ongoing commitment to ensuring there is always a place for year-round locals as the community grows,” said Big Sky Housing Trust executive director David O’Connor. “From the creation of the Housing Trust in 2019, to voting to increase Resort Tax to drastically improve our wastewater treatment in 2020, to building the BASE Community Center in 2022, to countless other projects, Big Sky’s residents have continuously shown their willingness to invest in a Livable Big Sky.”

“The Housing Trust looks forward to bringing together the experience and expertise of our partners in communities around the region, along with developer and construction partners,  and the community at large to create a neighborhood for locals that will be a point of pride for decades to come,” he continued. 

“The actual land purchase will take place once the Water & Sewer District annexation and subdivision review are complete, around the end of 2025,” O’Connor explained. “Infrastructure construction will begin this summer, and we hope to commence vertical construction by 2027. The Housing Trust is developing criteria for prospective developers to bid on the single-family home portion of the project, as well as for prospective homeowners, and will be incorporating significant community input.”

Big Sky School District housing levy
Yes      611  passed
No      494

Big Sky Community Park Infrastructure Bond

Yes    851  passed
No     335

Ennis Schools General Fund Levy
Yes    1240 Passed
No     1073 

Ennis School Board of Trustees
Peter Gustafson   1035 elected
Marilyn Jenkins    980  elected
Justin Stoner          973
Write-In                   36  

Twin Bridges School General Fund Levy
For            207 passed
Against      164

Twin Bridges School Technology Levy
For          151
Against   218 failed

Harrison School General Fund Levy
For             138 passed
Against       136

Ruby Valley Hospital Trustee
Kassia Marsh      620 elected
Donna Stump       526
Dustin Tetrault    600 elected
Write-In                 25