1564 LAWS OF MARYLAND [CH. 538

amount of special assessments levied by the town and out-
standing against any property at any time, exclusive of
delinquent installments, to exceed twenty-five per cent
(25%) of the fair cash market value of the property after
giving effect to the benefit accruing thereto from the
project or improvement for which assessed.

(c) When desirable, the affected property may be
divided into different classes to be charged different rates,
but, except for this, any rate shall be uniform.

(d) Before any charge is levied, it shall be ratified by
the council. The council secretary or the town clerk shall
cause notice to be given stating the nature of the proposed
project or improvement and the place and time at which
all persons interested, or their agents or attorneys, may
appear before the council and be heard concerning the pro-
posed special assessment. Such notice shall be given by
sending a copy thereof by mail to the owner of record of
each parcel of property assessed, and to the person in
whose name the property is assessed for taxation and by
publication of a copy of the notice at least once in a news-
paper of general circulation in the Town of Mount Airy.
The council secretary or the town clerk shall present at
the hearing a certificate of publication and mailing of
copies of the notice, which certificate shall be deemed proof
of notice, but failure of any owner to receive the mailed
copy shall not invalidate the proceedings. The date of hear-
ing shall be set at least ten and not more than thirty days
after the council secretary or town clerk shall have com-
pleted publication and service of notice as provided in this
section.

(e) Any interested person feeling aggrieved by the rati-
fication of any special assessment under the provisions of
this section shall have the right to appeal to the Circuit
Court for Carroll County within ten days after the final
ratification of any assessment by the council.

(f) All charges remaining unpaid after a reasonable
period, to be determined by the council, shall become liens
on the property and shall be collectible as are town taxes.
No special assessment shall be considered to be included
under the tax limitation for the general operating purposes
of the town imposed by Section 51 of this charter.

(g) Special assessments may be made payable in annual
or more frequent installments over such period of time
and in such manner as the council may decide.

(h) All special assessments levied under this section
shall be billed and collected by the mayor.