3072 ARTICLE 14.

all damages to the avenues, streets, lanes and alleys, persons or private
property done in laying such pipes; provided that no contract made in
pursuance of this section shall be made to bind or be binding upon the
Commissioners of Ellicott City for a longer period than twelve years.
They may also, in their discretion, purchase any existing water plant
from any company, corporation, person or persons; and they may also
purchase electric current from any corporation, company, person or per-
sons for the purpose of lighting the streets of said City and for sale to
private consumers in said City and vicinity; and may acquire any wires,
poles or equipment necessary for this purpose.

1914, ch. 836, sec. 71. 1924, ch. 406, sec. 71.

144. If any owner of any lot shall neglect to pave the sidewalk and
street in front of the same in a manner to meet the approval of the Com-
missioners of Ellicott City for the space of two months after notice to
pave the same has been given by the President of the Commissioners of
Ellicott City, the Commissioners aforesaid may direct their President
to cause the same to be done; and the expense thereof shall be a lien on
such lot and may be recovered as other debts of like amount.

1914, ch. 836, sec. 72.

145. Whenever they think the public interests require it, they may
cause an assessment to be made of all the property in said City liable or
subject to assessment for County or State taxes, and may prescribe the
manner in which such assessment shall be made, and provide for adjust-
ing all differences in relation thereto, and do all other things necessary
for making it.

1914, ch. 836, sec. 73.

146. The assessment of the taxable property within the limits of the
City, as made by the assessors of Howard County, shall be the basis of
taxation until the Commissioners of Ellicott City shall determine and
perfect a city assessment as provided for in the preceding Section.

1914, ch. 836, sec. 74,

147. They may pass ordinances for the appointment of one or more
assessors, prescribing their duties, and providing a suitable compensation
for them.

1914, ch. 836, sec. 75.

148. All assessments made under any City ordinance shall be charge-
able with the taxes levied for the use of the corporation, and the Com-
missioners of Ellicott City may provide by ordinance for the increase or
abatement of any erroneous assessment.

1914, ch. 836, sec. 76.

149. They may provide by ordinance for the appointment of one or
more collectors of taxes, may prescribe their duties, and the character