# Local Government (GLG)

## Title 19. Public Debt

### Subtitle 3. Creation of Public Debt -- Municipalities

#### Section 19-304

(a)

  (1) A municipality may not issue bonds that mature later than 40 years after the date of issue.

  (2) A municipality may not issue tax anticipation notes that mature later than 18 months after the date of issue.

(b) A municipality may issue bonds and tax anticipation notes only for cash.

(c) A municipality may not sell bonds or tax anticipation notes at less than par value.

(d)

  (1) If the charter of a municipality requires a referendum on the issuance of municipal bonds, the bonds may be issued only if the bonds are approved by a majority of voters voting on the question.

  (2) If the referendum fails, another referendum may not be held on the question of issuing bonds for the same public purpose until 1 year after the election.

(e) A municipality may not sell bonds unless the municipality:

  (1) solicits competitive bids at a public sale; and

  (2) publishes notice of the bond sale:

    (i) in the form required by the resolution or ordinance;

    (ii) in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality and any other publication that is specified in the resolution or ordinance; and

    (iii) two times over a period of at least 10 days before the date specified for the bond sale.

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Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)