$120 Million Open Space Bond Referendum
Summary
Voters could decide in November whether the county borrows up to $120 million to protect drinking water, rivers, wetlands, parks, and natural areas from development. Council debates the actual vote Wednesday — the resolution just puts the question on the ballot.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 8
- Last 30 days
- 2
Rising — discussed at 5 meetings since Sep 15, 2026, up from 1 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Up to $120 million in county debt — paid back by taxpayers — if voters say yes in November.
Everyone who drinks county water, uses parks and trails, and values protected open space.
Taxpayers who would service the debt if the county's budget or taxes tighten.
Mentions & discussions (8)
County Council - Oct 21, 2026
Delco voters decide November 3 on borrowing up to $120 million for open space, trails, and waterway protection. Critics at the meeting called it a tax increase of up to $24 per household per year and demanded a project-by-project spending plan; supporters say it unlocks state and federal grant money.
County Council - Oct 20, 2026
Three park/trail items were on the docket: advertising construction of the Mineral Hill Park Trail, extra archaeological work on the Delco Woods Loop Trail, and a possible $500,000 grant to fix the Darby Creek Trail washout.
County Council - Oct 7, 2026
A speaker asked the county to publish the full cost of its 2026 bond financing — bond counsel, underwriters and professional fees — and questioned whether ties between Ballard Spahr and Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon's family played any role in the firm's selection.
County Council - Sep 16, 2026
Council authorized up to $126 million in debt for capital projects — a new radio system, prison improvements, courthouse garage and building repairs, and IT upgrades. This is the third borrowing since 2024 and will be paid off over up to 25 years.
County Council - Sep 15, 2026
The county is borrowing up to $126 million for capital projects. Financial advisors will present at Tuesday's second reading and public hearing before the vote.
County Council - Sep 1, 2026
The county's third and final bond tranche funds its capital plan — up to $120 million in new borrowing plus $6 million to refinance older debt. Rising interest rates prompted questions, but the county's advisor says rates look manageable and the county can scale down if needed.
County Council - Jul 15, 2026
Council voted to ask voters in November to authorize up to $120 million in county debt for land conservation, clean water, parks, trails, and protecting natural areas from warehouses and data centers. Supporters say it revives the unfunded Greenways grant program and costs the average household about $24 a year; opponents point to recent tax increases and the Don Guanella/Delco Woods purchase dispute.
County Council - Jul 14, 2026
Voters could decide in November whether the county borrows up to $120 million to protect drinking water, rivers, wetlands, parks, and natural areas from development. Council debates the actual vote Wednesday — the resolution just puts the question on the ballot.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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