Theodore R. McKeldin, Governor                   1521

order to determine the amount which it may deem necessary to be
levied under Section 6, shall deduct such amount as the Commission
may estimate that it will be able to collect out of the benefits thereto-
fore levied by it but not yet paid, from the whole amount necessary
to be raised in any one year for interest and principal payments on
outstanding bonds, and the balance then remaining to be raised
shall be the amount to be certified to the County Commissioners of
St. Mary's County for collection by taxation as provided by Section 6.

187. 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, sub-
ject 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 con-
nection 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
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 Com-
mission 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.

188. The said Commission shall have full power and authority to
enter into any contract for the connection of its water supply, sewer-
age or drainage system, with those of any municipality or adjoining
County, for the purchase of water and for the disposal of sewage
and other drainage from any sanitary district, and to enter any
other agreement concerning any other matter deemed by the Com-
mission to be necessary, advisable or expedient for the proper con-