Baltimore County Question I — Bond Issue: Parks, Preservation and Greenways Borrowing

What it does

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $2,000,000 for the purpose of parks, preservation and greenways projects, including but not limited to: acquisition, construction, maintenance, and equipping of playgrounds, parks, community centers, and recreational facilities; related engineering, architectural, and other services; and the acquisition and maintenance of equipment, to be undertaken pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. A vote FOR the bond issue authorizes Baltimore County to borrow $2,000,000 for parks, preservation and greenways projects. A vote AGAINST the bond issue precludes Baltimore County from borrowing $2,000,000 for parks, preservation and greenways projects.

A YES vote means

Baltimore County could borrow $2,000,000 for parks, preservation and greenways projects, such as playgrounds, parks, community centers and recreational facilities.

A NO vote means

Baltimore County could not borrow this $2,000,000 for parks, preservation and greenways projects.

Needed to pass

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Left–right lean

Not a left–right issue: a procedural or local question that liberals and conservatives don't typically split on (AI read of the official ballot summary).

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Background

Bill 45-26 was introduced in the Baltimore County Council on April 20, 2026 by Chair Michael Ertel at the request of the County Executive, as part of the county's Borrowing Plan, which the bill says was developed from Planning Board recommendations reviewed by the County Administrative Officer and the Director of Budget and Finance.

The bill authorizes the county to borrow up to $2,000,000 through general obligation bonds for parks, preservation and greenways projects, and under the County Charter the full amount must be approved by county voters at the November 3, 2026 election.

The council's legislation detail shows the bill passed with every recorded member voting aye (Councilmen Young, Patoka, Jones, Marks, Ertel and Crandell); bonds would later be issued under separate bond issuance ordinances.

Put on the ballot by Baltimore County Council (Bill 45-26, introduced April 20, 2026 by request of the County Executive; passed, all recorded votes aye).

From official source.

Next elections here

• 2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Also on Baltimore County ballots

• Baltimore County Question A — Charter Amendment: Baltimore County Farmland Preservation Act (URDL)
• Baltimore County Question B — Charter Amendment: Department of Agriculture – Establishment of Department
• Baltimore County Question C — Charter Amendment: Inspector General Appointment Board
• Baltimore County Question D — Charter Amendment: Charter Review Commission – Membership
• Baltimore County Question E — Charter Amendment: Board of Recreation and Parks – Membership and Duties
• Baltimore County Question F — Bond Issue: Refuse Disposal Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question G — Bond Issue: Community College Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question H — Bond Issue: Public Works Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question J — Bond Issue: School Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question K — Bond Issue: Agricultural and Rural Land Preservation Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question L — Bond Issue: Community Improvement Project Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question M — Bond Issue: Waterway Improvement Program Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question N — Bond Issue: Operational Buildings Borrowing

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Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Baltimore County Question I mean?

Baltimore County could borrow $2,000,000 for parks, preservation and greenways projects, such as playgrounds, parks, community centers and recreational facilities.

What does a NO vote on Baltimore County Question I mean?

Baltimore County could not borrow this $2,000,000 for parks, preservation and greenways projects.

How many votes does Baltimore County Question I need to pass?

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Should I vote yes or no on Baltimore County Question I?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

When is the vote?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.