Theodore R. McKeldin, Governor                    1443

amount to be certified to the particular governing body or bodies for
collection by taxation as provided by Section 590.

595.   For the purpose of providing funds for maintenance, repair-
ing and operating its water supply, sewerage or drainage systems,
and for its operation and other expenses, including proper deprecia-
tion allowances, and for interest on, and the retirement of bonds as
specified in this sub-title, the Commission is hereby empowered to
make a ready-to-serve charge on water and a charge for the upkeep
of sewers chargeable against all properties having 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 necessary. 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 connection 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 fiat rate shall be charged all proper-
ties 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 Commission 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 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 municipality and said
ready-to-serve charge, other service charges and all penalties shall be
a first lien against said property.

596.    The Commission is authorized and empowered to purchase
or acquire by gift, any existing water, sewerage or drainage systems
in or adjacent to its District, 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 District.

597.    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
system, and it deems it advisable and proper for the adequate opera-
tion of the system under the jurisdiction to take over the said water
or sewerage system, it may purchase the same upon such terms and
conditions as may be agreed upon, but shall have no right of con-