PARRIS N. GLENDENING, Governor                             S.B. 514

(5) determine what classes of property in the district owned by public
service companies as defined in Article 78 of the Annotated Code of Maryland shall be
subject to or exempt from taxes or charges under this section.

(d)     As provided by ordinance, the Authority may have the power:

(1)     to be a special tax district and to conduct the functions which are
assigned to it by the City;

(2)     to acquire, hold and use property necessary to achieve its purposes;

(3)     to make contracts;

(4)     to sue and be sued;

(5)     to borrow and accept grants for purposes consistent with the purposes of
the Authority;

(6)     to employ and discharge personnel to carry out its public purposes;

(7)     to propose in its annual budget the taxes or charges on property within
the district. Property that is exempt under State law from ordinary property taxes shall be
exempt from taxes or charges assessed to support the Authority. Before adopting its
proposed budget and making its recommendations to the City, an Authority shall hold a
public hearing on taxes or charges proposed for the district. The Authority shall publish
notice of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in Baltimore City at least once
a week for 3 consecutive weeks before the hearing;

(8)     to adopt, amend and modify bylaws, all of which shall be subject to the
approval of the Board of Estimates;

(9)     to establish and elect officers and provide for their terms and duties;

(10)   to contract for and purchase goods and services, without being subject to
the City requirements regarding wage scales, competitive bidding or other local
procurement laws. However, the Authority shall be subject to City ordinances and City
policy requiring achievement of goals regarding minority and women's business
enterprises; and

(11)   to do all things necessary or convenient to carry out its powers.

(e)     An Authority created under this section may not:

(1)     exercise any police or general powers other than those authorized by
State law and City ordinance;

(2)     pledge the full faith or credit of the City;

(3)     impose taxes or charges in excess of those approved by the Board of
Estimates;

(4)     exercise the power of eminent domain;

(5)     extend its life without the approval of the City Council;

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