472                             LAWS OF MARYLAND                      CH. 406]

Whereas, It is deemed desirable to have a study made first to de-
termine what changes, if any, in the structure or form of the present
County government or public work system should be made to best
satisfy these needs and to prepare, if possible, specific recommenda-
tions as to the actual content of any modification of the present struc-
ture or of the new instrument of government; now, therefore,

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland,
That the Worcester County Governmental Study commission is hereby
created for the purpose of studying and making recommendations
concerning the structure or form of the government of Worcester
County. The Commission shall be composed of not less than nine (9)
persons and not more than fifteen (15) persons who shall serve
without compensation. Commission members shall be selected and
appointed by the member of the House of Delegates and the County
Commissioners of Worcester County. One of the persons so selected
shall be designated by the appointing authority as Chairman of the
Commission. In appointing the members of the Commission, the ap-
pointing authorities shall endeavor to select those whose devotion to
the County and its people, whose knowledge of government and sense
of historical perspective and whose education and experience espe-
cially equip them for membership on the Commission and will assure
that the Commission reflects the several interests and regions of the
County. In addition to the several members herein provided, the
County Commissioners and member of the House of Delegates shall
serve as ex officio, non-voting members of the Commission and render
advisory assistance thereto.

The Commission shall examine the existing structure and form of
county government in light of present and future needs of the people
of Worcester County, giving due consideration to the prospective
growth of the County and to the character and nature of such growth.
It shall meet and hold hearings as often as may be necessary to ac-
complish this purpose. It shall assemble such data and obtain such
technical advisory services as may be needed. It may recommend to
the County Commissioners that a part-time or full-time research
assistant be employed to assist it in the discharge of its duties. The
Commission shall consider and make recommendations concerning
all proposals for change in the structure of county government includ-
ing revision of the County Commissioner system, adoption of charter
form of government, code home rule and any other legal form of
government.

For these purposes the Commission is to be appointed by July 1,
1968, and is directed to hold its first meeting not later than August
1, 1968.

The Commission is directed to report to the County Commissioners,
to the member of the House of Delegates and the people of Worcester
County on or before January 1, 1969. Such report shall be in writing
and shall include its detailed findings, recommendations and a draft
of any suggested changes or instrument of government together with
such other pertinent matters as the Commission deems necessary or
appropriate.

The Board of County Commissioners is directed to provide the
Commission with such assistance and funds as may be required to
enable the Commission to carry out its duties under this section.