400                                  LAWS OF MARYLAND                          [CH. 258

TOWN PROPERTY

94. (Acquisition, Possession, and Disposal) The town may ac-
quire real, personal, or mixed property within the corporate limits
of the town for any public purpose by purchase, gift, bequest, devise,
lease, condemnation, or otherwise and may sell, lease, or otherwise
dispose of any property belonging to the town. All municipal prop-
erty, funds, and franchises of every kind belonging to or in the
possession of the town (by whatever prior name known) at the time
this charter becomes effective are vested in the town, subject to the
terms and conditions thereof.

95.    (Condemnation.) The town shall have the power to condemn
property of any kind, or interest therein or franchise connected there-
with, in fee or as an easement, within the corporate limits of the
town, for any public purpose. Any activity, project, or improvement
authorized by the provisions of this charter or any other State law
applicable to the town shall be deemed to be a public purpose. The
manner of procedure in case of any condemnation proceeding shall
be that established in Article 38A of the Annotated Code of the
Public General Laws of Maryland (1951 Edition, as amended), title
"Eminent Domain."

96.   (Town Buildings.) The town shall have the power to acquire,
to obtain by lease or rent, to purchase, construct, operate, and main-
tain all buildings and structures it deems necessary for the operation
of the town government.

97.    (Protection of Town Property.) The town shall have the
power to do whatever may be necessary to protect town property and
to keep all town property in good condition.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

98.    (Oath of Office.) (a) Before entering upon the duties of
their offices, the mayor, the Councilmen, the clerk-treasurer, the mem-
bers of the Board of Supervisors of Elections, and all other persons
elected or appointed to any office of profit or trust in the town govern-
ment shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation:

"I,................................, do swear (or affirm, as the case may be), that

I will support the Constitution of the United States; and that I will
be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of Maryland, and
support the Constitution and Laws thereof; and that I will, to the
best of my skill and judgment, diligently and faithfully, without

partiality or prejudice, execute the office of........................, according

to the Constitution and Laws of this State."

(b) The mayor shall take and subscribe this oath or affirmation
before the clerk of the Circuit Court for the County or before one
of the sworn deputies of the clerk. All other persons taking and sub-
scribing the oath shall do so before the mayor.

99.    (Official Bonds.) The clerk-treasurer and such other officers
or employees of the town as the council or this charter may require,
shall give bond in such amount and with such surety as may be re-
quired by the council. The premiums on such bonds shall be paid
by the town.