Ballot questions ask voters to approve or reject spending items — typically bonds — or changes to the form, structure or purpose of local government, often by amending the charter. The questions are listed as they will appear on the ballot, with Banner staff providing an explanation of what the question would do and what a “for” or “against” vote means.

Question A

Charter Amendment (Bill 19-25)

Baltimore County Farmland Preservation Act (URDL)

Currently, the Planning Board changes the Urban-Rural Demarcation Line (URDL), which separates urban areas from rural areas in Baltimore County, largely in response to zoning changes or water/sewer designation changes enacted by the County Council. The Baltimore County Charter requires a simple majority of the County Council to approve changes by the Planning Board to the Urban-Rural Demarcation Line (URDL). This amendment to the Baltimore County Charter would require a vote of six (6) of the nine (9) members of the County Council rather than a simple majority of five (5) votes to approve changes to the Urban-Rural Demarcation Line (URDL) recommended by the Planning Board. All other planning and zoning matters would continue to be approved by a simple majority vote of the County Council.

This would amend Section 522.1 of the Baltimore County Charter and add Section 1015 to the Baltimore County Charter.

A vote FOR the amendment requires six (6) of the nine (9) members of the County Council to approve changes to the Urban-Rural Demarcation Line (URDL).

A vote AGAINST the amendment keeps the current simple majority vote of 5 members of the County Council on changes to the Urban-Rural Demarcation Line (URDL).

Explanation:

This proposed charter amendment asks voters if they want to approve the Baltimore County Planning Board’s recommendation that six out of the nine Baltimore County councilmembers are required to change the Urban-Rural Demarcation Line (URDL) by vote — as opposed to five out nine. The URDL (pronounced ur-Dell) is the zig-zaggy border that divides Baltimore County’s 600-square mile jurisdiction into one-third suburban land with accessible water and sewer and two-thirds rural zoning designed to protect air and drinking water. A “for” vote would change the threshold from five votes to six votes. An “against” vote would keep the threshold at five votes.

Question B

Charter Amendment (Bill 49-25)

Department Of Agriculture – Establishment Of Department

This Charter Amendment establishes a Department of Agriculture to promote and support farming and agriculture in Baltimore County as a viable component of the county’s economic section, including encouraging local food production and distribution to improve access to food for County residents.

This would amend Section 504 of the Baltimore County Charter and add Sections 542.9 and 542.10 to the Baltimore County Charter.

Various agriculture issues will continue to be handled by other County agencies depending on the subject matter. As an example, agriculture land preservation is currently handled by the Department of Planning; local food initiatives are currently handled by the Department of Health; and agricultural tourism is handled by the Department of Economic and Workforce Development.

A vote FOR the amendment would create a Department of Agriculture to support farming and agriculture in Baltimore County and encourage local food production and distribution to improve access to food for County residents.

A vote AGAINST the amendment does not create a Department of Agriculture, and the current County Charter would remain unchanged.

Explanation:

The proposed charter amendment asks voters to create a stand-alone Baltimore County Department of Agriculture, which would promote farming throughout the jurisdiction, encourage food production, distribution and improve residents’ food access. Other departments would continue to manage agricultural land preservation, local food initiatives and agricultural tourism. A “for” vote would establish this new department. An “against” vote would prevent it from happening.

Question C

Charter Amendment (Bill 50-25)

Inspector General Appointment Board

The Inspector General provides oversight of County government by investigating fraud, waste, and abuse. This Charter Amendment establishes an Inspector General Appointment Board; provides for the appointment of members to the Appointment Board; provides authority for the Inspector General Appointment Board to appoint or reappoint the Inspector General and, if necessary, remove the Inspector General for cause. It replaces the current process under which the County Executive appoints or reappoints the Inspector General, and the County Council confirms the appointment. It provides for a residency requirement for the Inspector General.

The Inspector General Appointment Board will consist of seven (7) members, with the County Council and County Executive each selecting one member, and the Chair of the Ethics Commission electing the other five (5) members, each of whom must be from specific judicial, accounting, fraud examination or academic professions. There are also several requirements for members relating to potential ethical conflicts between their service on the Inspector General Appointment Board and their employment or business involvement with the County; candidacy for elected office or involvement in campaign finances; registration as a lobbyist; or criminal convictions.

This would amend Section 1014 of the Baltimore County Charter and add Section 1014.1 to the Baltimore County Charter.

A vote FOR the amendment transfers the authority to appoint or reappoint and remove the Inspector General from the County Executive to an Inspector General Appointment Board to be established.

A vote AGAINST the amendment keeps the current process, in which the County Executive appoints or reappoints, the Inspector General and the County Council confirms the appointment.

Explanation:

This proposed charter amendment asks voters if they want to create a seven-member Inspector General Appointment Board tasked with selecting Baltimore County’s inspector general. The board would have the responsibility to appoint, reappoint or, if necessary, remove the county’s inspector general. The board would replace the current process, in which the county executive makes a decision and Baltimore County Council either confirms or denies the appointment.

A “for” vote establishes the Inspector General Appointment Board and grants the seven-member body the authority to appoint, reappoint or remove an inspector general. An “against” vote retains the current process in which the county executive chooses and the council is required to confirm the decision.

Question D

Charter Amendment (Bill 52-26)

Charter Review Commission – Membership

This Charter Amendment increases the number of Charter Review Commission members appointed by the County Council from seven to nine for purposes of matching the expansion of the County Council.

This would amend Section 1203(a) of the Baltimore County Charter.

A vote FOR the amendment increases the number of Charter Review Commission appointments made by County Council members from seven (7) to nine (9).

A vote AGAINST the amendment keeps the current Charter provisions, under which County Council members make seven (7) appointments to the Charter Review Commission.

Explanation:

The proposed charter amendment asks voters to increase the number of Charter Review Commission members that Baltimore County Council is allowed to appoint from seven to nine — to match the council’s expansion from seven to nine members. The 11-member commission meets every decade to study and review the county’s charter. After doing so, the commission will report its findings and make recommendations to the council and county executive.

A vote “for” the amendment would increase the number of members council can appoint to the commission from seven to nine. An “against” vote would prevent that expansion.Question E

Charter Amendment (Bill 61-26)

Board Of Recreation And Parks – Membership And Duties

This Charter Amendment changes the membership of the Board of Recreation and Parks by increasing the number of at-large members from three (3) to four (4) and provides that district-level members are appointed based on recommendations from County Council members. The amendment also amends and modernizes the Board duties to reflect both current board practices and its role to serve in an advisory capacity to the Department of Recreation and Parks.

This would amend Section 533 of the Baltimore County Charter.

A vote FOR the amendment changes the membership of the Board of Recreation and Parks and clarifies that the Board is an advisory body to the Department of Recreation and Parks.

A vote AGAINST the amendment keeps the current membership and duties of the Board of Recreation and Parks.

Explanation:

This proposed charter amendment asks voters to increase the number of at-large members on the Board of Recreation and Parks from three to four. It also requires the remaining members be appointed through Baltimore County Council recommendation. The Board of Recreation and Parks is currently an 11-member body designed to guide the county’s department of recreation and parks. The amendment would update the board’s duties to serve the department as an advisory body.

A vote “for” the amendment changes the membership and clarifies the board’s role. An “against” vote prevents that.

Question F

Bond Issue: County Ordinance (Bill 42-26)

Refuse Disposal Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $5,000,000 for refuse disposal projects, 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 $5,000,000 for refuse disposal projects.

A vote AGAINST the bond issue precludes Baltimore County from borrowing $5,000,000 for refuse disposal projects.

Explanation:

This proposed ordinance authorizes Baltimore County to borrow $5,000,000 for refuse disposal projects. Voting FOR the bond issue allows the county to borrow the funds; voting AGAINST precludes that.

Question G

Bond Issue: County Ordinance (Bill 43-26)

Community College Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $18,620,000 for community college projects, including but not limited to: acquisition, construction, reconstruction, extension, improvement, enlargement, alteration, maintenance, repair, modernization, and development of buildings and other improvements for community colleges; the architectural, engineering, and other services incident thereto; and the acquisition of land, furnishings, and 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 $18,620,000 for community college projects.

A vote AGAINST the bond issue precludes Baltimore County from borrowing $18,620,000 for community college projects.

Explanation:

This ordinance authorizes the county to borrow $18,620,000 for community college projects. A vote FOR authorizes the borrowing; a vote against disallows it.

Question H

Bond Issue: County Ordinance (Bill 44-26)

Public Works Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $54,380,000 for public works projects, including but not limited to: streets and highways, bridges, storm drain systems, sewer systems, refuse disposal systems, viaducts, environmental projects, grade crossings and parking lots and structures, 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 $54,380,000 for public works projects.

A vote AGAINST the bond issue precludes Baltimore County from borrowing $54,380,000 for public works projects.

Explanation:

This ordinance would allow the county to borrow $54,380,000 for public works projects. Those could include streets and highways, bridges, storm drain systems, sewer systems, refuse disposal systems, viaducts, environmental projects, grade crossings and parking lots and structures. A vote FOR the bond issue authorizes Baltimore County to borrow the funds; a vote AGAINST the bond issue precludes Baltimore County from borrowing the funds.

Question I

Bond Issue: County Ordinance (Bill 45-26)

Parks, Preservation And Greenways Borrowing

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.

#6 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.

Explanation:

This ordinance authorizes the county to borrow $2 million for 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. A vote FOR the bond issue authorizes the spending; a vote AGAINST precludes it.

Question J

Bond Issue: County Ordinance (Bill 46-26)

School Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $200,000,000 for school buildings and site projects, including but not limited to: the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, improvement, extension, alteration, maintenance, conversion and modernization of buildings and sites for school purposes; architectural and engineering services; and recreation and pedagogical equipment for such buildings and sites, 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 $200,000,000 for school buildings and site projects.

A vote AGAINST the bond issue precludes Baltimore County from borrowing $200,000,000 for school buildings and site projects.

Explanation:

This ordinance would authorize the county to borrow $200 million for school building and site projects. This would include acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, improving, extending, altering, maintaining, converting, and modernizing buildings and sites for school purposes, among other things. A vote FOR the bond issue would allow the county to borrow the funds for these projects; a vote AGAINST would preclude the county from borrowing funds.

Question K

Bond Issue: County Ordinance (Bill 47-26)

Agricultural And Rural Land Preservation Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $6,000,000 for agricultural and rural land preservation projects, including but not limited to the purchase of land, development rights, conservation easements and other real property approved by the County Council pursuant to the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program and the Rural Legacy Program or other similar federal or state programs, 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 $6,000,000 for agricultural and rural land preservation projects.

A vote AGAINST the bond issue precludes Baltimore County from borrowing $6,000,000 for agricultural and rural land preservation projects.

Explanation:

This ordinance would allow the county to borrow $6 million for agricultural and rural land preservation projects. This includes purchasing land, development rights, conservation easements, and other real property approved by the council in accordance with the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program, the Rural Legacy Program, and other federal or state programs. A vote FOR would allow the county to borrow for these projects; a vote AGAINST would preclude them.

Question L

Bond Issue: County Ordinance (Bill 48-26)

Community Improvement Project Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $4,000,000 for community improvement projects, including but not limited to construction, renovation, extension, alteration, repair or modernization of: street curbs; gutters; water; sewer and other utilities; sidewalk improvements; interior and rear access improvements; landscaping and lighting improvements; building and other structural improvements; and sidewalk and pedestrian system improvements, 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 $4,000,000 for community improvement projects.

A vote AGAINST the bond issue precludes Baltimore County from borrowing $4,000,000 for community improvement projects.

Explanation:

This ordinance would allow the county to borrow $4 million for a broad range of community improvement projects, including street curbs, gutters, water and sewer infrastructure, and sidewalks. The county would repay the money over time, with interest. A vote FOR would authorize the borrowing; a vote AGAINST would block it.

Question M

Bond Issue: County Ordinance (Bill 49-26)

Waterway Improvement Program Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $20,000,000 for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, extension, alteration, repair and modernization of waterway improvement and stormwater-related projects, including but not limited to: shoreline stabilization; shore erosion control; wetland restoration; streambank and riverbank restoration; stabilization and reconstruction; control and monitoring of nonpoint pollutants; landscaping; dredging; planting of trees and similar waterway improvement projects in residential, rural and commercial areas; and engineering and other services incident thereto, 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 $20,000,000 for acquisition, construction, reconstruction, extension, alteration, repair and modernization of waterway improvement and stormwater-related projects.

A vote AGAINST the bond issue precludes Baltimore County from borrowing 20,000,000 for acquisition, construction, reconstruction, extension, alteration, repair and modernization of waterway improvement and stormwater-related projects.

Explanation:

This ordinance would allow the county to borrow $20 million for a broad range of waterway improvement and stormwater-related projects, including shoreline stabilization, shore erosion control, wetland restoration, and streambank and riverbank restoration. The county would repay the money over time, with interest. A vote FOR would authorize the borrowing; a vote AGAINST would block it.

Question N

Bond Issue: County Ordinance (Bill 50-26)

Operational Buildings Borrowing

AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $81,750,000 for public operational buildings, including but not limited to: general, health, police, fire, recreation, library, senior center, and jail buildings or facilities, and necessary or desirable 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 $81,750,000 for public operational buildings.

A vote AGAINST the bond issue precludes Baltimore County from borrowing $81,750,000 for public operational buildings.

Explanation:

This ordinance would allow the county to borrow $81.75 million for public buildings, including police and fire facilities, recreation centers, libraries, senior centers and jails. The county would repay the money over time, with interest. A vote FOR would authorize the borrowing; a vote AGAINST would block it.