Even though May 8^th was very exciting for most people in the Sheridan Area because of the earthquake, they were not talking about the latest issues. That Tuesday was also Election Day. And even though most people were talking about where they were and what they were doing at that moment, not two hours later the polls opened.

            One of the issues up for election was creating a parks district for Sheridan. “So much needs to be done for this area and the town doesn’t have the budget for it,” said Mayor Dean Derryberry. Creating the parks district would widen the tax base and give the extra fund for fixing and maintaining the area parks, which include the Ruby Valley Swimming Pool, Mill Street Park, Ruby Street Park, and the baseball park complex.

             According to Mayor Derryberry, the bathrooms at both parks need repair from vandalism, new sod on Ray Silve Field, Repairs to the Tennis courts. “If we can cut down on the vandalism, we can put the money to better use instead of spending it on constant repairs,” said Derryberry.

            Before the parks measure passed, maintenance of the town recreational property, used by many from the whole valley, were paid for by assessments on town property only. The new district allows all property within the Sheridan High School District to be assessed and taxed at $25 a year.

            The Madison County Commissioners will be appointing three board members to this new parks district and are accepting applications until the end of the month. The assessment will start in November when property taxes are due. In the mean time the Parks District will lease the property until the board is set up.