Theodore R. McKeldin, Governor                    367

Benefits Account". The. Commission, in order to determine the
amount which it may deem necessary, to be levied under Section 6,
shall deduct such amount, plus such amount as the Commission may
estimate that it will be able to collect out of the benefits theretofore
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 payment for salaries and expenses of the
Commission as aforesaid, and the balance then remaining to be
raised shall be the amount to be certified to the County Commissioners
of Howard County for collection by taxation as provided by Section 6.

Sec. 13. And be it further enacted, That for the purpose of pro-
viding funds for maintenance, repairing and operating its water
supply, sewerage or drainage systems, and for its operation and
other expenses, including proper depreciation allowances, and for
interest on, and the retirement of bonds as specified in this Act,
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 each sub-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 con-
sist of a minimum or ready-to-serve and/or meter 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.], but, subject to a reasonable charge
as aforesaid. 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 prop-
erties in which meters have not yet been installed, which rate shall
be uniform in each sub-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 remain 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. 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.

Sec. 14. And be it further enacted. That the said Commission shall
have full power and authority to enter into any contract for the con-
nection of its water supply, sewerage or drainage systems, with