Theodore R. McKeldin, Governor                   1359

the upkeep of sewers chargeable against all properties haying a
connection with any water pipe or sewer pipe under its supervision or
ownership. Said rate for both ready-to-serve and such charge for
the upkeep on sewers shall be uniform throughout such sanitary
district, subject to such changes from time to time as may be neces-
sary. The charge for the upkeep on sewers shall be reasonable and
collected annually in the same manner as benefit assessments are
collected and shall be a first lien against all property having a con-
nection with any sewer pipe under its supervision or ownership. The
rates for water service shall consist of a minimum or ready-to-serve
charge, which shall be based upon the size of the meter on the water
connection leading to the property, and of a charge for water used,
which shall be based upon the amount of water passing through the
meter during the period between the last two readings, said meter
being required to be placed on each water connection by and at the
sole expense of the Commission. If the Commission at any time shall
not have meters available to install in all the properties in a given
locality that are connected to the system, then a flat rate shall be
charged all properties in which meters have not yet been installed,
which rate shall be uniform in each sanitary district and based upon
the amount of water used. Bills for the amount of the charges as
above specified shall be sent quarterly or semi-annually, as the Com-
mission may determine, to each property served, and shall be thereon
payable at the office of the Commission; and if any bill remains
unpaid after thirty days from date of sending, the Commission shall,
after written notice left upon the premises or mailed to the last
known address of the owner, turn off the water from the property in
question, and the water shall not be turned on again until said bill
shall have been paid, including a penalty of Two Dollars ($2.00). If
any bill shall remain unpaid for sixty days after being sent by the
Commission, it shall be collectible from the owner of the property
served in the same manner as other debts are collectible in the County
and said ready-to-serve charge, other service charges and all penalties
shall be a first lien against said property.

204N. The said Commission shall have full power and authority
to enter into any contract for the connection of its water supply,
sewerage or drainage systems, with those of any municipality or
adjoining county, or any other governmental agency, for the purpose
of water and for the disposal of sewage and other drainage from
any sanitary district, and to enter into any other agreement concern-
ing any other matter deemed by the Commission to be necessary,
advisable or expedient for the proper construction, maintenance and
operation of the water supply, sewerage or drainage systems under
its control, or those under the control of any municipality or county,
or other governmental agency.

204-O. The Commission is authorized and empowered to purchase
or acquire by gift, any existing water, sewerage or drainage systems
in Charles County, or any other water, sewerage or drainage systems
in said county, which in its judgment are desirable or necessary for
the purpose of providing adequate water or sewerage service or both
for the residents of said county.

204P. Whenever said Commission shall have extended its water

supply or sewerage system up to and is ready to connect with any

municipally owned or privately owned water supply or sewerage