THEODORE R. McKELDIN, GOVERNOR                     393

being considered. All such written contracts shall be approved by the
council before becoming effective. The clerk-treasurer shall have the
right to reject all bids and readvertise. The town at any time in its
discretion may employ its own forces for the construction or recon-
struction of public improvements without advertising for (or read-
vertising for) or receiving bids. All written contracts may be pro-
tected by such bonds, penalties, and conditions as the town may
require.

PERSONNEL

65.    (Clerk to the Council.) The clerk-treasurer shall serve as
clerk to the council. He shall attend every meeting of the council and
keep a full and accurate account of the proceedings of the council. He
shall keep such other records and perform such other duties as may
be required by this charter or the council.

66.    (Town Attorney.) The mayor with the approval of the coun-
cil may appoint a town attorney. The town attorney shall be a mem-
ber of the bar of the Maryland Court of Appeals. The town attorney
shall be the legal adviser of the town and shall perform such duties
in this connection as may be required by the council or the mayor.
His compensation shall be determined by the council. The town shall
have the power to employ such legal consultants as it deems neces-
sary from time to time.

67.    (Authority to Employ Personnel.) The town shall have the
power to employ such officers and employees as it deems necessary
to execute the powers and duties provided by this charter or other
State law and to operate the town government.

68.   (Merit System.) Appointments THE TOWN MAY PROVIDE
BY ORDINANCE FOR APPOINTMENTS and promotions in the ad-
ministrative service of the town shall be made on the basis of merit
and fitness. To carry out this purpose the council shall have the
power to adopt such rules and regulations governing the operation
of a merit system as it deems desirable or necessary. Among other
things these rules and regulations may provide for competitive exam-
inations, the use of eligible lists, a classification plan, a compensation
plan, a probation period, appeals by employees included within the
classified service from dismissal or other disciplinary action, and
vacation and sick leave regulations. The town may request and avail
itself of the facilities of the Commissioner of State Personnel for the
administration of its merit system, as provided in State law.

69.    (Unclassified and Classified Service.) (a) The civil service
of the town shall be divided into the unclassified and classified service.

(b) The unclassified service shall comprise the following offices
and positions, which shall not be included within the merit system:

(1)     The mayor, the Councilmen, and persons appointed to fill
vacancies in these positions.

(2)    The clerk-treasurer and the town attorney.

(3)    The heads of all offices, departments, and agencies and mem-
bers of town boards and commissions.