Morris County will put open-space stewardship question on November ballot

Morris County officials said a voter question on use of the county's open-space funds for stewardship of preserved lands will appear on the November general-election ballot. County leaders told the board a press release about the measure is scheduled for next week.

The question follows recommendations from an ad hoc committee the board assembled to study stewardship options. County staff said the board adopted the committee's recommendations and the exact ballot question language before placing the measure on the ballot.

Why it matters: A 'yes' vote would authorize the county to use a portion of funds from the county's open-space program for ongoing stewardship and maintenance of preserved properties rather than only for acquisition. Officials said many of the resolutions on the meeting agenda were preservation grant awards previously authorized under committee recommendations.

The board did not vote on the ballot question during the public work session; staff indicated procedural steps are complete and that public notice and education materials will follow before the election. A county press release is expected next week with additional details and timing for outreach to voters.

The meeting record did not specify ballot language, the percentage or cap of funds that stewardship could consume, or a campaign schedule; those items were described as next steps to be provided to the board and to the public.