Initiative crosses finish line with 90-plus-percent support; voters select candidates for school board, Resort Tax board
By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
The multi-year effort to create a hospital or “wellness” district in Big Sky has finally crossed the finish line, with Big Sky voters demonstrating clear support for the initiative that will bring millions of dollars into the community to fund health care and wellness infrastructure.
Many of those dollars will come from Big Sky’s Madison County residents, who voted 97-10 in favor of withdrawing from the Madison Valley Hospital District, which previously received these Big Sky residents’ hospital tax dollars, totaling nearly $3 million per year. Now, over the course of eight years, the new Big Sky district will gradually collect more of its own tax revenues—over $1 million in the first year and eventually totaling over $20 million by the end of the eight-year period, per estimates by Big Sky Resort Area District leaders.
On the Gallatin side of Big Sky, voters approved the new district by a margin of 842-66—roughly 93% support—according to unofficial results. The district’s creation does not impose any taxes. It will be up to the new trustees to seek voter approval for any potential taxes.
Trustees representing the two Big Sky hospital districts—Madison and Gallatin—are expected to form an interlocal agreement to align local priorities and share funds.
Daniel Bierschwale, BSRAD executive director, said the successful creation of both districts is “a monumental win” for Big Sky residents.
“Voters chose to support a long-term investment in essential health and wellness services, with local residents helping guide those decisions and priorities moving forward,” Bierschwale stated via email. “This is exactly what Livable Big Sky is about—creating a community where people can live, work, and grow together for the long haul.”
The Madison-side district’s election for trustees was not contested, as three candidates ran for three spots. Those trustees will be Heather Morris, Paula Cleary and Mike Rowe.
The Gallatin-side district did host a contested election, with four trustees running for three seats. Katie Grice led the popular vote with 668, Laura Seyfang followed with 627 votes, and Sally Stilwill narrowly won the third seat by a 21-vote margin, 498-477 over Marilyn Flint, according to unofficial results.
These results have not yet been confirmed or canvassed by the Gallatin County Commission.
Inaugural trustees reflect on new district
Katie Grice, who helped lead the Big Sky Wellness Coalition effort, said the vote to create the district is the result of community members working intentionally to create a livable community.
“Big Sky voters have made it clear that the district is the next step in investing in the long-term vitality of our community,” Grice stated in an email to EBS. “Now our trustees can begin the thoughtful planning required to turn vision into action to meet our critical needs. Let’s go to work.”
Fellow Gallatin-side electee Laura Seyfang said she’s “thrilled” that voters supported the initiative that will support the community’s wellbeing. “Big Sky just keeps getting stronger as we work together like this,” Seyfang stated via email.
Madison-side electee Mike Rowe credited the “support, leadership and persistence” of coalition leaders, and promised “thoughtful, transparent and collaborative” leadership.
Heather Morris, whose efforts were integral in the process resulting in Senate Bill 260, said the May 5 result is the culmination of years of hard work.
“The lopsided wins in both Madison and Gallatin prove what we, who live here, already knew. We want to control our own destiny and we want our tax dollars to stay in the community charged with taking care of us,” Morris told EBS via text. She added that considering voters’ May 2025 commitment to livability through housing and community park infrastructure, the Big Sky community has again demonstrated its focus on collaborating and prioritizing a sustainable future.
“The needs of our town are many, but they aren’t insurmountable when you have the support of 90% of the community,” Morris stated. “I’m looking forward to working with my fellow trustees on both sides of the county line to help benefit the health and wellness needs of our friends and neighbors.”
Candidates chosen for school, BSRAD boards
Aside from the hot-button wellness district referendum, voters also selected trustees to the Big Sky School District and Big Sky Resort Area District (Resort Tax) boards.
For the school board, voters selected incumbent Matt Dodd in a 1-on-1 race against Jonathan Gans. Dodd received 547 votes to Gans’ 326, according to unofficial results.
In the BSRAD election, three candidates ran for two spots. Incumbent Michelle Kendziorski received the most votes, with 652. Taylor Kissell’s 569 votes earned him the second seat, beating out Laynee Jones’ 506 votes, according to unofficial results.
Again, these results have not yet been confirmed or canvassed by the Gallatin County Commission at the time of this story’s publication.
“Big Sky is built on the dedication and commitment of volunteers,” Bierschwale stated via email. “We’re grateful for all the candidates who stepped forward and demonstrated their willingness to serve our community.”
