Story By: Spencer Porden
Sheridan residents will soon be able to voice their opinion on the fluoridation of Sheridan’s drinking water.
The Sheridan City Council voted to initiate a survey of Sheridan water customers that would allow them to vote either for or against the fluoridation of Sheridan’s water supply. The survey will be a non-binding way for City Council to gauge the public’s opinion on what has been a controversial subject since fluoridation was implemented in 2014.
Dan Roberts, Utility Director for the City of Sheridan, said that the survey will cost the city approximately $11,000 to conduct. Polls would be mailed out with water bills to customers, and would then be returned and tabulated by a third party. The poll would tentatively begin to be mailed out on March 11th, with the deadline to return the poll by April 22nd.
Council also heard public comment on the matter from several members of the public who were both in support of fluoridation, and those who were also against it.
Counselor Aaron Linden said he felt it would be wrong to not poll the public on the issue.
The resolution to conduct the survey passed with a 5-2 vote, with counselors Henderson and Bridger voting against.
