386                              Laws of Maryland                       [Ch. 282

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 by the
Secretary of the Commission, as the Commission may determine, to
each property served, and shall be thereon payable at the office of
the County Treasurer; 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 (60) days after being sent by the Commission, it
shall be collectible from the owner of the property served in the same
manner as other debts¹ 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.

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

437.    The Commission is authorized and empowered to purchase
or acquire by gift, any existing water or sewerage systems in Wi-
comico County, or any other water or sewerage 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.

438.    (a) 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, Whether within or outside of Wicomico County, and it deems
it advisable and proper for the adequate operation of the system under
its jurisdiction to take over the said water or sewerage system, it
may purchase the same upon such terms and conditions as may be