HERBERT R. O'CONOR, GOVERNOR. 1109

832. The Purchasing Agent, except as otherwise provided
herein, shall require sealed bids before contracting for the pur-
chase of any item valued in excess of one hundred dollars, and
for the purchase of any item valued in excess of five hundred
dollars he shall advertise in at least two newspapers published
in the County, at least a week in advance, an invitation for the
submission of bids thereon. For the purchase of items valued
at one hundred dollars or less, bids shall be solicited orally or
by letter. In any event, the bid shall be awarded to the lowest
responsible bidder, unless the Purchasing Agent shall have
stated in writing to the County Commissioners his reasons for
desiring to reject such bid, and the lowest responsible bid shall
then not be rejected by the Purchasing Agent until after the
next regular weekly meeting of the Board of County Commis-
sioners. "

833. (a) Neither the Purchasing Agent nor any employee
of the Purchasing Bureau shall be interested in or in any
manner connected with, directly or indirectly, any contract or
bid for furnishing materials, supplies or equipment to any of
the using authorities. Neither shall the Purchasing Agent or
any employee of the Bureau accept or receive from any person
to whom any contract may be awarded, directly or indirectly,
by rebate, gift, or otherwise, any money or things of value what-
soever, or any promise, obligation or contract for future reward
or compensation from any such party. If the Purchasing
Agent or any employee of the Bureau shall violate any provi-
sion of this section, he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor
and upon conviction shall be fined not less than One Thousand
Dollars ($1, 000) or imprisoned for not more than six months,
or both, in the discretion of the Court.

(b) All contracts for the printing of stationery, office forms,
pamphlets, or other printed matter, required by any of the
using authorities which come within the jurisdiction of this
Act shall be made through or with the approval of the purchas-
ing agent, which requirement includes the price, quantity, and
quality of all printed matter other than ballots and including
all stationery, cards, forms, and other paper supplies required
by either the Board of Election Supervisors or the permanent
Board of Registry.

(c) All insurance or surety bonds to be paid for entirely
with money raised through the annual tax levy of the Board of
County Commissioners of Montgomery County shall be con-
tracted and purchased by the County Purchasing Agent to the
best advantages of the public protection required from such in-
surance or bonds and to the greatest advantage of the public
Treasury of Montgomery County.