Ch. 448 1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(g) If the sanitary commission uses a water meter, the sanitary commission shall
connect the water meter at the sanitary commission's expense.

(h) For water usage, the sanitary commission shall make a charge that:

(1) Is based on meter readings; or

(2) If no water meter is connected to the property, is:

(i) Based on the estimated water usage; and

(ii) Uniform among unmetered properties in the service area.

(i) For sewerage systems and solid waste disposal systems, the sanitary
commission shall make a reasonable usage charge.

(j) Except for bills for minimum charges for sewerage services, the sanitary
commission:

(1) Shall send to each property owner:

(i) For water service, a bill for minimum charges and usage charges
for water once each 3 or 6 months; and

(ii) For other charges, a bill once each 3, 6, or 12 months; and

(2) May stagger the frequency and dates of bills sent under this section.

(k) The property owner promptly shall pay any bill sent under this section.

(I) If a water bill is unpaid for 30 days after being sent, and after written notice is
left on the premises or mailed to the last known address of the owner, the sanitary
commission may:

(1) Disconnect water service to the property; and

(2) Require, before reconnecting water service, payment of the entire water
bill plus a reconnection charge reasonably related to the cost of reconnection, as
established by ordinance of the governing body of the county or municipal corporation in
which the water service is provided.

(m) (1) If a charge for which a bill sent under this section is in default 60 days
after the bill is sent, the charge is in default.

(2) When a charge is in default, it is a lien on the property and the sanitary
commission may collect the charge in the same manner as benefit assessments.

(N) (1) IN GARRETT COUNTY, IF A BILL FOR SEWERAGE SERVICE IS UNPAID
FOR 30 DAYS AFTER BEING SENT, THE SANITARY COMMISSION MAY DISCONNECT
WATER SERVICE TO THE PROPERTY.

(2) . BEFORE THE DISCONNECTION OF WATER SERVICE UNDER THIS
SUBSECTION, THE SANITARY COMMISSION SHALL PROVIDE NOTICE:

- 2736 -