THEODORE R. MCKELDIN, GOVERNOR 469

1] October 15 in each year a detailed and itemized estimate
of the amounts to be required for the operation of such
agency during the ensuing fiscal year, classified in such
form and containing such other information as the County
Commissioners shall require from time to time. Such
estimate shall be submitted under the oath of the official
in charge of such agency that such estimate and the matters
and facts contained therein are true and correct to the
best of his knowledge, information and belief. Whenever
referred to in this Act, "county agency" shall include the
Board of County Commissioners and any officer, depart-
ment, commission, board, bureau or other agency of the
county and any institution receiving any appropriation
from county funds.

52. (a) Before [May] November 1st, in each year, the
County Commissioners shall prepare a proposed budget
containing the items enumerated hereinbelow:

53. (a) In each year the County Commissioners, prior
to adoption of the budget, shall, after public notice, hold
a public hearing on the proposed budget. Public notice of
the time and place of said hearing shall be given by publi-
cation once a week for two successive weeks in two news-
papers of different political faith of general circulation
in St. Mary's County. From [May] November 1 to [June
1] December 15 in each year, at least three or more copies
of such proposed budget shall be available for public inspec-
tion at the office of the County Commissioners during all
regular business hours.

(b) During the period from [May] November 1st to
[June 1st] December 15 in each year, the County Com-
missioners of St. Mary's County are hereby authorized
and empowered to revise the proposed budget and any
part thereof by increasing, decreasing, eliminating or add-
ing items provided that there shall be no consolidation of
items in such manner as to reduce the detailed statement
of the appropriations. They shall further be authorized
to revise the schedule of anticipated receipts and estimated
rates for general and special taxes and assessments in
such manner as they may deem necessary. Not later than
[June 1st] December 15 in each year, or on the first day
thereafter, if [June 1st] December 15 be a legal holiday,
the County Commissioners of St. Mary's County shall by
a majority vote adopt the final budget, schedule of antici-
pated receipts, fix general and special tax rates, and im-
pose the levy for the ensuing fiscal year. Such levy to-
gether with any surplus county funds and all other reve-