536                              Laws of Maryland                       [Ch. 402

(b). The commission, to be known as the Washington County
Study Commission, shall consist of such numbers of persons as the
county commissioners shall determine, provided that not less than
nine (9) nor more than fifteen (15) members shall be appointed. The
members shall be selected because of their known experience and
interest in the government of Washington County,

(c). The members shall serve without compensation but shall be
reimbursed for necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the
performance of their duties. The commission shall have such sec-
retarial help and other assistance as the county commissioners shall
determine. The terms of the members of the commission shall be
determined by the county commissioners.

(d). The commission shall select from its own membership a
chairman, vice-chairman, and a secretary. The commission has the
power to establish and appoint advisory groups to assist in its study
program, which advisory groups shall not be restricted solely to
members of the commission.

(e). The commission shall meet at least bimonthly and shall hold
special meetings at the call of the chairman or of any three members
of the commission. A majority of the commission members shall con-
stitute a quorum.

(f). The commission shall make its report to the county com-
missioners and to the state senator and delegates in the Maryland
General Assembly from Washington County not later than the first
day of the 1963 regular session of the General Assembly.

(g). In an effort to determine the feasibility of home rule for
Washington County the commission shall have the authority to in-
vestigate and study, but it is not restricted or limited to, the
following:

(1). Conduct a comprehensive study of the present county com-
missioner form of government.

(2). Assemble information and analyze the various county council
and county manager forms of government.

(3). Recommend the composition and compensation that shall be
paid members of the governing body of the county.

(4). Determine the feasibility of a county merit system.

(5). Review and study the present county departmental structure.

(6). Study the present cost of county government to anticipated
future costs under the respective governmental body patterns.

(7). Compare the county governmental services and expenditures
with those of the political subdivisions to determine if possible in-
equities or duplications exist.

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That this Act shall take effect
June 1, 1961.

Approved April 24, 1961.