138 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 75

roads and change the same as they may see fit It shall be
the duty of the County Commissioners to foster public interest
in the public roads, and, to this end encourage the formation
of road improvement associations and to hold not less than four
public meetings in each year in different parts of the County
for the discussion of road matters; reasonable notice of the
said meetings to be given by advertisement and such meetings
to be attended by the Road Engineer, and at least one mem-
ber of the Board of County Commissioners. The said County
Commissioners shall have the power to let out the repair or
maintenance of any road or portion of road by contract, when,
in the judgment of the said Road Engineer, such course is
deemed advisable, in which case preference shall be given,
where practicable, to the owners of the land directly interested
in the proper care of such road or roads, and such work shall
be done under the supervision of the said Road Engineer. All
contracts made by the County Commissioners for the repair
or construction of roads or bridges shall be reduced to writing
and all payments thereunder shall be subject to the approval
by the Road Engineer of the work done under the contract.
Whenever work on any road or bridge involves an outlay of
Five Hundred Dollars ($500. ) or more, plans and specifications
therefor may be prepared by the Road Engineer and bids
for the work invited by reasonable publication in such paper
or papers as the County Commissioners may designate; but
it shall not be obligatory upon the said County Commissioners
to have any work done by contract if it be found that
the same can be done at less expense by direct em-
ployment of the required labor. The County Commis-
sioners of Washington County shall have the power to make
all such rules and regulations with reference to the use of the
roads, streets, avenues, lanes, alleys and bridges of the County
by telephone and telegraph companies, steam railroads and
street railways companies, gas, water and electric light com-
panies, and similar uses thereof, and by individuals and the trav-
eling public, as the County Commissioners may consider neces-
sary for the proper protection of the said roads, streets, ave-
nues, lanes, alleys and bridges of the County and the rights
of the public therein, and to impose reasonable penalties for
the violation of such rules and regulations and may make other
necessary provisions for the enforcement thereof, and shall
have the right from time to time to change or alter the same;
and all such rules and regulations, when adopted and recorded
in a book or books kept for the purpose, shall have the force and