Board presented draft timeline for potential bond referendum; June 23 deadline flagged as critical

Tim LeClair of the finance department presented a draft timeline for a possible 2026 bond referendum that would ask voters about parks, open space, libraries and, for the first time in discussions, a potential indoor sports complex. LeClair said the presentation was a process overview, not a request to place specific projects on the ballot.

LeClair emphasized a key procedural deadline: "The most critical date is 06/23/2026. It’s the last scheduled board meeting where board action can be taken to place a question or questions on the ballot. If we miss this date, we likely miss the 2026 general election." He outlined follow-on steps after board approval — a petition to the circuit court (target July 1), a court order in mid-August and public notice in late October — culminating in the November 3, 2026 election. Supervisors urged staff to return with project-selection criteria, communications recommendations, and a timeline for work sessions; the county executive proposed an April 7 finance-and-budget committee conversation and recommendations by late April or early May.