The five bond questions on the Prince George’s ballot seek to borrow money to improve library facilities (up to $45 million), county buildings (up to nearly $76 million), public safety facilities (up to about $156 million), public works facilities (up to a little more than $193 million) and community college facilities (up to $156 million).

All are worthy expenditures. For example, as many portions of the county continue to struggle with high emergency response times, it makes sense to add funding and possibly allow for an additional fire or police department to improve service. Similarly, libraries continue to be in high demand, especially as their hours have shortened due to cuts and as job seekers flock to them for computer use and other resources; and Prince George’s Community College has been identified as one of the 50 fastest-growing two-year public colleges in the nation.

Low interest rates help make now an ideal time to invest in capital projects. The projects are not expected to impact the county’s credit rating, as county officials said they have implemented a stricter self-imposed limit to ensure capital improvement projects don’t exceed the county’s borrowing capacity. Prince George’s residents would be well served by voting in favor of all the bond ballot questions.