New Campaign Launched to Protect Madison County’s Healthcare and Public Services

ENNIS – A new campaign, “Support Madison Valley,” has launched to oppose an effort that would divert millions in property tax dollars away from Madison County to benefit only Big Sky. The proposed “Big Sky Wellness District Initiative” threatens to strip $2.9 million annually from the Madison Valley Hospital District, jeopardizing healthcare access for residents across Madison County and surrounding communities.

The “Support Madison Valley” campaign aims to educate residents about the implications of this initiative and mobilize support to preserve the hospital district that has served the region for over 70 years.

While proponents of the change argue that Big Sky does not benefit from the current hospital district, the fact is that Madison Valley Medical Center (MVMC) provides essential care to Big Sky residents, workers, and neighboring communities. Shared tax dollars make it possible for MVMC to deliver these critical healthcare services, which benefit the entire region. The effort raises broader concerns that essential services like schools and libraries could face similar threats in the future.

The next hearing, set for January 13, will consider a new petition submitted by the property owners of the Silvertip subdivision in Moonlight Basin. Although it is unclear what properties are implicated by the petition, most of the property owners in this subdivision appear to be non-residents from out of state. If permitted by the Commissioners, this dynamic would allow a small number of individuals to decide the fate of significant dollars in property taxes, while reducing taxes paid by out of state property owners and potentially undermining the stability of critical community services.

“These ongoing initiatives are a clear attempt to prioritize Big Sky’s exclusive interests at the expense of Madison County’s broader community,” said Allen Rohrback, CEO of Madison Valley Medical Center. “Public taxes fund services – like hospitals, schools and libraries – that keep communities strong. Diverting these funds would harm the entire region, including those workers and residents who contribute to Big Sky’s success.”

Background

For more than 70 years, Madison County property taxes have supported the Madison Valley Medical Center (MVMC)—a critical healthcare provider serving Big Sky residents, rural communities, and surrounding areas.

The “Big Sky Wellness District Initiative”, led by Wellness in Action (WIA) and the Big Sky Wellness Coalition, seeks to remove Big Sky’s Madison County properties from the Madison Valley Hospital District.

Big Sky properties account for 85% of the Madison Valley Hospital District’s taxable value, and also provide significant funding for essential county services such as schools, libraries, and healthcare. These services benefit the entire region, including the workforce that supports Big Sky’s success and growth.

If successful, this would:

Create an immediate budget shortfall and operating loss for MVMC, threatening its ability to deliver essential services.

Jeopardize healthcare access, limiting MVMC’s ability to provide vital care to residents in Big Sky and throughout Madison County.

Higher tax rates for rural residents, as lost funding would potentially force increased taxes on communities outside of Big Sky.

Threaten other public services, including schools, libraries, and emergency care, further weakening Madison County’s shared resources.

How People Can Get Involved

Support Madison Valley calls on all Madison County residents and supporters to take action:

Show Your Support: Join the growing list of supporters working to protect Madison County’s healthcare and public services. Visit www.supportmadisonvalley.com to get involved.

Stay Informed. Add your name to our list at www.supportmadisonvalley.com so we can keep you updated on ongoing efforts that impact Madison County’s vital services.