<section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-101" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Commercial District Management"> <text>In this subtitle, “authority” means a commercial district management authority.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-102" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Commercial District Management"> <text>This subtitle applies to all counties except Baltimore City.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-103" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Commercial District Management"> <level label="a"> <text>The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The governing body of a county may establish an authority for any commercial district in the county.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For each authority established, the governing body of a county shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>specify the membership, organization, jurisdiction, and geographical limits of the authority;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide any financing that it considers appropriate for the authority through fees that may be charged to, or taxes that may be imposed against, businesses subject to the authority’s jurisdiction; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>specify the purposes of the authority, including:</text> <level label="i"> <text>promotion;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>marketing; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the provision of security, maintenance, or amenities in the commercial district.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-104" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Commercial District Management"> <text>An authority may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>exercise the power of eminent domain;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>purchase, sell, construct, or lease, as a lessor, office or retail space; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>except as otherwise authorized by law, engage in competition with the private sector.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-105" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Commercial District Management"> <text>Any fee or tax imposed under this subtitle shall be used only for the purposes stated in this subtitle and may not revert to the general fund of a county.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-106" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Commercial District Management"> <text>The governing body of a county may establish an authority in accordance with this subtitle as a special taxing district.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-201" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“District” means a taxing and assessment district.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“District council” means the governing body of a county acting as the district council for a district created under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Project” means an erosion prevention project or erosion control project.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-202" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <text>This subtitle supplements the provisions of the Natural Resources Article relating to shore erosion control projects.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-203" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <text>The purpose of projects constructed under this subtitle is to prevent erosion of land by any body of water in the State.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-204" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <level label="a"> <text>Each recorded subdivision that abuts a body of water in the State is a district.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each district established under this section shall be named for the subdivision from which the district is created.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-205" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <level label="a"> <text>The governing body of a county is the district council for each district in the county.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A district council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>keep a separate record of its proceedings for each district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>deposit all money received for each district to the credit of that district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The district council shall require the depository of money under subsection (b)(2) of this section to give the same security for the repayment of money deposited and pay the same interest on the money as is required for the deposit of county funds.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any interest earnings on money deposited for a district shall be credited to that district.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-206" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the development and completion of plans and specifications for the construction of a project in a district in Anne Arundel County;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the permitting activities associated with the project in Anne Arundel County;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the preparation of a cost estimate for the project in Anne Arundel County; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the construction of a project in a district in Anne Arundel County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section may not be construed as limiting or restricting a district from accessing any money kept for the benefit of the district to pay for an activity identified under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The district council may construct a project in a district if requested by a petition signed by at least 75% of the real property owners in the district.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The entity administering a shore erosion control district may use tax funds for the maintenance, repair, or restoration of an existing project without a petition.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The entity administering a shore erosion control district shall conduct a public hearing before using tax funds for the maintenance, repair, or restoration of an existing project.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This subsection applies to any existing shoreline erosion control project within the district, regardless of the initial source of funding.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-207" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to Anne Arundel County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>When the plans and specifications for the construction of a project in a district are complete, the district council shall notify each owner of real property in the district:</text> <level label="i"> <text>that the plans and specifications for the construction of the project are complete and can be inspected at the office of the governing body of the county;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>of the probable cost of the project; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>of the date and place of a hearing on the petition.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The notice shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>mailed to the last known address of each property owner in the district; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>published once each week for 2 successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>After holding a hearing, the district council shall decide whether to proceed with the project.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-208" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <level label="a"> <text>The district council may acquire an easement in any land or structure that is necessary to construct, extend, or maintain a project in the district.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If the district council and property owner cannot agree on the acquisition of an easement in the owner’s property, the district council may begin condemnation proceedings in the circuit court of the county, as provided in Title 12 of the Real Property Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the district council may enter and take possession of the condemned property not less than 10 days after the recordation of the award in a condemnation proceeding under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Notwithstanding an appeal or further proceedings taken by a defendant in the condemnation proceeding, before taking possession of the condemned property, the district council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>pay the amount of the award and all costs imposed to the clerk of the court; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>give its corporate undertaking to abide by and fulfill any judgment on appeal or on further proceedings.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-209" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <level label="a"> <text>The district council may borrow money, on the full faith and credit of the district, to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>acquire by purchase or condemnation an easement under § 21–208 of this subtitle to construct a project in or for the district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>complete the project.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The money borrowed by the district council for a project shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>bear interest at a rate set by the district council not exceeding 6% per year;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>be payable semiannually; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>be secured by bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued by the district council on the full faith and credit of the district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to § 21–212(e)(2) of this subtitle, the bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued under this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>be exempt from State, county, and municipal taxation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>mature serially at the times determined by the district council, not to exceed 30 years;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>be made payable within 30 years after issuance; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>be issued under the seal of the county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Notwithstanding §§ 19–205 and 19–206 of this article, the district council may sell the bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness at public or private sale.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing body of the county shall guarantee the payment of principal of and interest on any bonds issued by the district council under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The guaranty shall be endorsed on each bond in the following language:</text> <text>“The payment of interest when due and the principal at maturity is guaranteed by ….. County, Maryland.”</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Within 20 days after the bonds are ready for endorsement, the endorsement shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>signed on each bond by the chair of the governing body or the county executive, as applicable;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>attested to by the clerk of the governing body of the county; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>affixed with the county seal.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-210" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, this subtitle applies to any project undertaken and any bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued under this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of this section is to provide an alternative means to finance projects on a countywide basis, for which the governing body of the county does not sit as a district council.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing body of a county may pay not more than 25% of the cost of any project in the county through the issuance of bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the governing body pays for a portion of a project under this subsection, the governing body may accept any of the remaining cost of the project from:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the federal government; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>any unit of the State or federal government.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, any bond, note, or other evidence of indebtedness issued under this section shall be issued as provided in this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any bond, note, or other evidence of indebtedness issued under this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is not a district obligation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall have its payments of principal and interest met by a countywide tax.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-211" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <level label="a"> <text>The district council shall publish notice once each week for 2 successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or in technical press for bids for the construction of a project.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The district council shall award the contract for a project to the lowest responsible bidder.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The district council may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>reject any and all bids for a contract for a project; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>readvertise for bids, in accordance with and subject to this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Before awarding a contract for a project, the district council shall require from the successful bidder a bond in a form and amount approved by the district council.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The bond shall be conditioned on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>completing the project in accordance with the plans, specifications, and time limitations specified in the contract; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>paying for all supplies and labor provided to the contractor in the construction of the project.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-212" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <level label="a"> <text>After a project for a district has been completed, either wholly or partly, the district council shall impose a benefit charge on all real property in the district benefiting from the project.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Before imposing the benefit charge, the district council shall notify each owner of real property in the district that the district council is proposing to make an assessment of benefit against the owner’s property for the project.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The notice shall state the date and place of the hearing.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A hearing notice shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>mailed to the last known address of each property owner in the district; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>published once each week for 2 successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>After holding a hearing under subsection (b) of this section, the district council shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>determine the extent of the benefit from the project to each lot and parcel of land in the district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>impose the benefit charge on each lot and parcel of land in the district based on the determinations made under item (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A benefit charge imposed under this section is a lien on the real property against which the benefit charge is imposed.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The benefit charge shall be paid:</text> <level label="i"> <text>annually as county taxes are required to be paid; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for a period that is coextensive with the period of maturity for the bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued to construct the project.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection applies only in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Carroll County;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Dorchester County;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>St. Mary’s County; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>Somerset County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The annual benefit charge imposed under this section is payable in annual installments over 25 years or any shorter time as directed by the governing body of the county.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Each annual installment is a personal obligation of the owner of the benefited property at the time the installment becomes due.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>An annual installment in default is a first lien on the benefited property, subject only to prior State, county, or municipal real property taxes.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The outstanding balance of a benefit charge shall be given normal lien priority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The sale of a benefited property does not extinguish the lien imposed against the property.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The purchaser of a benefited property shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>take ownership of the property subject to any outstanding balance of the total benefit charge unpaid at the conclusion of the sale; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>be required to pay the same annual installments as the previous owner of the property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>For purposes of § 3–104(b) of the Real Property Article, relating to the payment of taxes as a prerequisite to recording a transfer of property, it is sufficient that all current annual installments of any benefit charge imposed under this subtitle have been paid.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-213" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Each year, the district council shall impose a tax against all assessable property in each district that has been improved by a project.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each year before the tax is imposed, the district council shall determine the number of cents per $100 necessary to raise the amount of money required under paragraph (3) of this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The amount of tax imposed under this subsection, together with the benefit charges collected under § 21–212 of this subtitle, shall be sufficient to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>meet the interest and principal payments due on the bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued to finance the construction of projects under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>pay the entire cost of repairing and maintaining the project in a district; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>pay all the expenses of the district necessary to carry out this subtitle, including reimbursing the district council for expenses incurred by members of the district council, not exceeding $200 annually for each member, for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>inspecting bulkheads; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>performing other duties required in the administration of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The district council shall impose the tax required under this subsection until all the bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness and their interest, in addition to other debt incurred in carrying out this subtitle, have been paid.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>After the requirements of paragraph (4) of this subsection have been satisfied, the district council shall impose a tax sufficient only to maintain the project.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The tax imposed under subsection (a) of this section shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>be imposed in the same manner as county taxes; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>have the same priority rights, bear the same interest and penalties, and in every respect be treated the same as county taxes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The taxing authority of the county shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>collect the taxes; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>remit the amount collected to the district council every 60 days.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The district council shall deposit money received under subsection (b) of this section in a bank in the county:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to the credit of the district council for the district from which the money was collected; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>at the rate of interest paid for county funds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The district council shall pay out the taxes and benefit charges collected from a district in the following order:</text> <level label="i"> <text>from the taxes and benefit charges:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the interest on the bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued for the projects in the district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness when and as the bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness mature; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>from the remaining taxes, all other debt incurred in carrying out this subtitle, including project maintenance.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If the receipts from the taxes and benefit charges imposed under this subtitle for any district do not meet the required payments in any year by reason of default or otherwise, the amount of the deficiency shall be added to the next year’s tax imposition for that district.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not release a county from its obligation to impose ad valorem taxes on assessable property in the county at a rate and of an amount sufficient to pay the maturing principal of and interest on bonds.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-214" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Erosion Prevention Projects"> <level label="a"> <text>A person or agency may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>fail to perform duties required under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>fail to pay the principal of and interest on any bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness as required by this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>use the money from bonds, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness for any purpose other than the purpose specified under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-301" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Shore Erosion Control Districts"> <text>This subtitle applies to property in one or more counties that abuts a body of water in the State.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-302" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Shore Erosion Control Districts"> <text>Property subject to this subtitle may be formed into a shore erosion control district.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-303" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Shore Erosion Control Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>The owners of 75% of the real property in a proposed district, or 75% of the owners of real property in a proposed district, may present a written petition to the governing body of each county where the property lies to request the creation of a shore erosion control district.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The petition shall describe the proposed boundaries of the shore erosion control district.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>On receipt of a petition, the governing body of the county shall refer the petition to the Department of Natural Resources.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department of Natural Resources shall review the petition and submit a report to the governing body of the county.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The report shall contain:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Department’s recommendation concerning the feasibility and need for a shore erosion control district;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a description of the area to be included in the shore erosion control district;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>plans for erosion control; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>estimated costs for any projects recommended for erosion control.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>On receipt of the report, the governing body of the county may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish the shore erosion control district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>designate the area to be included in the shore erosion control district.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-304" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Shore Erosion Control Districts"> <text>The governing body of a county may act as the district council for the shore erosion control district.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-305" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Shore Erosion Control Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>The governing body of a county may finance and construct an erosion control project in a shore erosion control district in accordance with Subtitle 2 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Instead of the method of financing described under § 21–209 of this title, the governing body of a county may use the method of financing provided by § 21–210 of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-306" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Shore Erosion Control Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>The County Council of Anne Arundel County may impose a direct tax on property in a shore erosion control district to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>repay a loan made to the county by the State under § 8–1005 of the Natural Resources Article for the construction of an erosion control project for the benefit of a shore erosion control district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pay for maintenance, repair, and reconstruction of erosion control projects.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A tax under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall be imposed and collected as county taxes are imposed and collected;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall have the same priority rights, bear the same interest and penalties, and in every respect be treated the same as county taxes; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>may not apply to property that is exempt from taxation under Title 7, Subtitle 2 of the Tax – Property Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-401" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <text>For the purposes stated in § 21–402 of this subtitle, a municipality may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>by ordinance or resolution, establish special taxing districts; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>impose ad valorem taxes on all real and personal property in a special taxing district at a rate sufficient to provide adequate annual revenues to pay:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the principal of and interest on any bonds or other obligations of the municipality issued for the purpose for which the special taxing district was established, as the principal and interest become due; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the costs of operating and maintaining facilities and activities for which the special taxing district was established.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-402" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <text>The purpose of the authority granted under this part is to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>finance the establishment, acquisition, design, construction, alteration, improvement, extension, operation, and maintenance of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>adequate storm drainage systems;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>public parking facilities;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>pedestrian malls;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>street and area lighting; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>ride sharing and bus systems;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>finance the capital and operating costs to enhance police, fire protection, and rescue services; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>provide financing for commercial district management authorities established under § 5–214(b) of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-403" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <text>In a special taxing district established for financing a ride sharing or bus system, a municipality shall impose a combination of development impact fees and ad valorem taxes to finance, wholly or partly, the capital and operating costs of the ride sharing or bus system.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-404" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <text>Ad valorem taxes imposed under this part shall be imposed in the same manner, on the same assessments, for the same period, and as of the same date of finality as required for municipal property tax purposes in the special taxing district. </text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-407" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Bond” means a revenue bond, note, or other similar instrument issued by a municipality in accordance with this part.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Cost” includes the cost of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>construction, reconstruction, and renovation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>acquisition of structures, real or personal property, rights, rights–of–way, franchises, easements, and interests acquired or to be acquired by the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, the State, a unit or political subdivision of the State, or another governmental unit having jurisdiction over the infrastructure improvement;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>machinery and equipment, including machinery and equipment needed to expand or enhance municipal services to a special taxing district;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>financing charges and interest before and during construction and, if the municipality considers it advisable, for a limited period after completion of the construction;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>interest and reserves for principal and interest, including the cost of municipal bond insurance and any other type of financial guaranty and costs of issuance;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>extensions, enlargements, additions, and improvements;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>architectural, engineering, financial, and legal services;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>plans, specifications, studies, surveys, and estimates of costs and revenues;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>administrative expenses necessary or incident in determining to proceed with infrastructure improvements; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>other expenses necessary or incident to acquiring, constructing, and financing infrastructure improvements.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“MEDCO obligation” means any debt instrument that the Maryland Economic Development Corporation issues for the purposes stated in § 21–410(a)(2) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“State hospital redevelopment” means any combination of private or public commercial, residential, or recreational uses, improvements, and facilities that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is part of a comprehensive coordinated development plan or strategy involving property that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>was occupied formerly by a State facility, as defined in § 10–101 of the Health – General Article, or a State residential center, as defined in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is adjacent or reasonably proximate to property that was occupied formerly by a State facility, as defined in § 10–101 of the Health – General Article, or a State residential center, as defined in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in accordance with design development principles, maximizes use of the property by those constituencies it is intended to serve; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is designated as a State hospital redevelopment by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet established under § 9–1406 of the State Government Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the local government or multicounty agency with land use and planning responsibility for the relevant area.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Transit–oriented development” has the meaning stated in § 7–101 of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-408" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>This part is self–executing and does not require a municipality to amend its charter to exercise the powers granted under this part.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The powers granted under this part:</text> <level label="1"> <text>are supplemental to any power granted by another law; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>do not limit any other power.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This part is necessary for the welfare of the State and its residents and shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes stated in § 21–410(a) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-409" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>For any purpose stated in § 21–410(a)(1) of this subtitle, a municipality may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish a special taxing district;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>impose ad valorem or special taxes; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>issue bonds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>For any purpose stated in § 21–410(a)(2) of this subtitle, a municipality may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>establish special taxing districts;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>impose ad valorem or special taxes; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>pledge funds under an agreement to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>secure payment on MEDCO obligations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pay the costs of infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>pay the costs of operating and maintaining infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An agreement pledging funds as described in paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>be authorized by an ordinance or resolution of the municipality;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>be in writing;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>be executed on behalf of the municipality making the pledge, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, and any other person or entity that the governing body of the municipality determines; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>benefit, and be enforceable on behalf of, the holders of any MEDCO obligation secured by the agreement.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a municipality may establish a special taxing district, issue bonds, or impose an ad valorem or special tax under this part only if a request to the municipality is made by both:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the owners of at least two–thirds of the assessed valuation of the real property located in the special taxing district; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>at least two–thirds of the owners of the real property located in the special taxing district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For purposes of paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>multiple owners of a single parcel are treated as a single owner; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a single owner of multiple parcels is treated as one owner.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-410" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of the authority granted under this part is to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>finance, refinance, or reimburse the cost of establishing, acquiring, designing, constructing, altering, or extending adequate infrastructure improvements as necessary for the development and use of land in any defined geographic region in the municipality, including storm drainage systems, sewers, water systems, roads, bridges, culverts, tunnels, sidewalks, lighting, parking, parks and recreation facilities, libraries, and schools; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide a source of funding for payment of costs of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>operation and maintenance of infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An infrastructure improvement financed under subsection (a)(1) of this section may be located:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in the special taxing district;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in the municipality, outside the special taxing district if the infrastructure improvement is reasonably related to other infrastructure improvements in the special taxing district; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>outside the municipality if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the infrastructure improvement is reasonably related to other infrastructure improvements in the special taxing district; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>notice is given to the governmental unit having jurisdiction over the infrastructure improvement.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For the purposes of this part and any authority granted by this part, a sustainable community, as defined in § 6–201 of the Housing and Community Development Article, shall be considered the same as a transit–oriented development.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-411" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <text>Unless otherwise provided in the charter, bylaws, or code of a municipality, before the governing body of a municipality enacts an ordinance or a resolution that establishes a special taxing district, authorizes the issuance of bonds, or imposes ad valorem or special taxes under this part, the governing body shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>hold a public hearing; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>give notice of the public hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality at least 10 days before the date of the hearing.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-412" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>By resolution, the governing body of a municipality:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may designate an area as a special taxing district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall create a special fund with respect to the special taxing district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A resolution creating a special fund under subsection (a) of this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>pledge to the special fund the proceeds of the ad valorem or special tax to be imposed as provided under § 21–414 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>require that the proceeds from the tax be paid into the special fund.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-413" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <text>If no bonds authorized by this part are outstanding with respect to a special taxing district, the governing body of the municipality may use money in the special fund for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any purpose specified in this part;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>paying debt service on bonds to be issued later;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>payment or reimbursement of debt service that the municipality is obligated under a general or limited obligation to pay, or has paid, on MEDCO obligations or any bond, note, or other similar instrument issued by the State or by any unit or political subdivision of the State, the proceeds of which were used for any purpose specified in this part; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>payment to the municipality to provide money for any legal purpose as determined by the governing body of the municipality.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-414" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>The governing body of a municipality may provide for the imposition of an ad valorem or special tax on all real and personal property in a special taxing district at a rate or amount designed to provide adequate revenue:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to pay the principal of, interest on, and any redemption premium on any bonds;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to replenish any debt service reserve fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>for any other purpose related to the ongoing expenses of or security for bonds;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>to pay costs of infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>pay costs of operating and maintaining infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>to secure payment by the municipality of its obligations under an agreement described in § 21–409(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Ad valorem taxes under this part shall be imposed in the same manner, on the same assessments, for the same period, and as of the same date of finality as required for municipal property taxes in the special taxing district.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>As an alternative to imposing ad valorem taxes under this part, the governing body of a municipality may impose special taxes in accordance with this subsection on property in a special taxing district.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In determining the basis for and amount of a special tax, the cost of an improvement may be calculated and imposed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>equally per front foot, lot, parcel, dwelling unit, or square foot;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>according to the value of the property, with or without regard to improvements on the property; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>in any other reasonable manner that results in a fair allocation of the cost of the infrastructure improvements.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The governing body of a municipality may enact an ordinance or resolution for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the maximum amount of a special tax to be imposed on any parcel;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the tax year or other date after which further special taxes under this part may not be imposed on a parcel; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>whether, and the circumstances under which, a special tax on a parcel may be increased because of delinquency or default by the owner of that parcel or by the owner of any other parcel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>By ordinance or resolution, the governing body of a municipality may establish procedures allowing for the prepayment of special taxes under this part.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A special tax imposed under this part shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>unless otherwise provided in an ordinance or a resolution, be collected and secured in the same manner as general ad valorem taxes; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>in the case of delinquency, be subject to the same penalties, procedure, sale, and lien priority as general ad valorem taxes.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-415" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>A special taxing district established under this part shall be terminated if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>no bonds authorized by this part are outstanding with respect to the special taxing district;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>no MEDCO obligations to which a municipality has pledged revenues under this part are outstanding with respect to the special taxing district; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the governing body of the municipality determines not to use money in the special fund for payment of costs of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>operating and maintaining infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any money remaining in the special fund on the date of termination of the special taxing district may be paid to the general fund of the municipality.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-416" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>The special fund and any sinking fund established by a municipality under this part are subject to § 19–102 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proceeds of bonds issued under this part are subject to §§ 17–101 and 17–102 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-417" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding any other law, a municipality may issue bonds as provided under this part for the purposes stated in § 21–410(a)(1) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To issue bonds under this part, the governing body of a municipality shall adopt an ordinance or resolution that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>describes the proposed undertaking;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>states:</text> <level label="i"> <text>that the governing body has complied with §§ 21–412 and 21–414 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the maximum principal amount of bonds to be issued; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the maximum rate of interest for the bonds; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>establishes a covenant to impose ad valorem or special taxes on all real and personal property in the special taxing district at a rate or in an amount sufficient to provide for the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds in each year that the bonds are outstanding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>For bonds to be issued to finance the proposed undertaking, the ordinance or resolution may specify:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the principal amount;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the rate of interest;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the manner and terms of sale;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the time of execution, issuance, and delivery;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the form, purpose, and denominations;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>the manner in which and the times and places at which the principal of and interest on the bonds shall be paid;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>conditions for payment of principal of and interest on the bonds before maturity; or</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>other provisions consistent with this part that the governing body of the municipality determines are necessary or desirable.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The ordinance or resolution may specify the items listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection or may authorize:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the municipality’s finance board or other appropriate financial officer to specify those items by resolution; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the municipality’s chief executive officer to specify those items by executive order.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The following may not be subject to a referendum because of any State or local law:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an ordinance or a resolution authorizing the bonds;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an ordinance, a resolution, or an executive order passed or adopted in furtherance of the ordinance or resolution authorizing the bonds;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the bonds;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the designation of a special taxing district; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the imposition of ad valorem or special taxes.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-418" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>A bond issued under this part:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may be in bearer form or coupon form;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may be registrable as to principal alone or as to both principal and interest; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is a security under § 8–102 of the Commercial Law Article, whether the bond is one of a class or series or is divisible into a class or series of instruments.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A bond shall be signed manually or in facsimile by the chief executive officer of the municipality.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The clerk or other similar administrative officer of the municipality shall attest to and affix the seal of the municipality to each bond.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An officer’s signature or countersignature on a bond remains valid if the officer ceases to be an officer before delivery of the bond.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A bond shall mature not later than 30 years after the date of issuance.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A municipality may sell bonds:</text> <level label="i"> <text>at a public or private sale; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>in any manner and on any terms that the governing body of the municipality considers best.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A contract to acquire property may provide that payment shall be made in bonds.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Bonds are exempt from §§ 19–205 and 19–206 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-419" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <text>Bonds issued under this part are securities:</text> <level label="1"> <text>that may be deposited with and received by a unit of the State or a political subdivision for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or obligations of the State is authorized by law; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in which any of the following persons or entities may invest money:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an officer or a unit of the State or a political subdivision of the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a bank, a trust company, a savings and loan association, or an investment company;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>an insurance company; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a personal representative, trustee, or other fiduciary.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-420" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <level label="a"> <text>Bonds are payable from the special fund required under § 21–412 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The governing body of a municipality that issues bonds under this part may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish a sinking fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>establish a debt service reserve fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>pledge other assets and revenues toward the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>provide for municipal bond insurance or any other financial guaranty of the bonds.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-421" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <text>Bond proceeds shall be used only to pay the cost of infrastructure improvements, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the cost of establishing, acquiring, designing, constructing, extending, or altering infrastructure improvements;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the cost of issuing bonds;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>payment of the principal of and interest on loans, money advances, or indebtedness incurred by the municipality for any purpose stated in § 21–410(a) of this subtitle, including refunding of bonds previously issued; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>funding of a debt service reserve fund or payment of interest before, during, or for a limited period of time after constructing the infrastructure improvements.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-422" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Municipal Special Taxing Districts"> <text>The principal amount of bonds, interest payable on bonds, the transfer of bonds, and any income from bonds, including profit made in the sale or transfer of bonds, are exempt from State and local taxes.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-501" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Bond” means a special obligation bond, a revenue bond, a note, or any other similar instrument issued in accordance with this subtitle by a county or the revenue authority of Prince George’s County.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Cost” includes the cost of:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>construction, reconstruction, and renovation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>acquisition of structures, real or personal property, rights, rights–of–way, franchises, easements, and interests acquired or to be acquired by the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, the State, a unit or political subdivision of the State, or another governmental unit having jurisdiction over the infrastructure improvement;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>machinery and equipment, including machinery and equipment needed to expand or enhance county services to a special taxing district;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>financing charges and interest before and during construction and, if the county considers it advisable, for a limited period after completion of the construction;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>interest and reserves for principal and interest, including the cost of municipal bond insurance and any other type of financial guaranty and costs of issuance;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>extensions, enlargements, additions, and improvements;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>architectural, engineering, financial, and legal services;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>plans, specifications, studies, surveys, and estimates of cost and revenues;</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>administrative expenses necessary or incident to determining to proceed with infrastructure improvements; and</text> </level> <level label="x"> <text>other expenses necessary or incident to acquiring, constructing, and financing infrastructure improvements; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in Prince George’s County, the cost of renovation, rehabilitation, and repair of existing buildings, internal and external structural systems, elevators, facades, mechanical systems and components, and security systems.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“MEDCO obligation” means any debt instrument that the Maryland Economic Development Corporation issues for the purposes stated in § 21–504(a)(2) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“State hospital redevelopment” means any combination of private or public commercial, residential, or recreational uses, improvements, and facilities that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is part of a comprehensive, coordinated development plan or strategy involving property that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>was occupied formerly by a State facility, as defined in § 10–101 of the Health – General Article, or a State residential center, as defined in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is adjacent or reasonably proximate to property that was occupied formerly by a State facility, as defined in § 10–101 of the Health – General Article, or a State residential center, as defined in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in accordance with design development principles, maximizes use of the property by those constituencies it is intended to serve; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is designated as a State hospital redevelopment by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet established under § 9–1406 of the State Government Article; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the local government or multicounty agency with land use and planning responsibility for the relevant area.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Transit–oriented development” has the meaning stated in § 7–101 of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-502" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle applies only to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a code county in the Eastern Shore class;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Anne Arundel County;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Baltimore County;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Calvert County;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Cecil County;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Charles County;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Garrett County;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Harford County;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Howard County;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>Prince George’s County;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>St. Mary’s County;</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>Washington County; and</text> </level> <level label="13"> <text>Wicomico County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle is self–executing and does not require a county to enact legislation or, if applicable, to amend its charter to exercise the powers granted under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The powers granted under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>are supplemental to any power granted by another law; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>do not limit any other power.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>This subtitle is necessary for the welfare of the State and its residents and shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes stated in § 21–504(a) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-503" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>For any purpose stated in § 21–504(a)(1) of this subtitle, a county may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish a special taxing district;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>impose ad valorem or special taxes; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>issue bonds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>For any purpose stated in § 21–504(a)(2) of this subtitle, a county may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>establish special taxing districts;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>impose ad valorem or special taxes; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>pledge funds under an agreement to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>secure payment on MEDCO obligations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pay the costs of infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>pay the costs of operating and maintaining infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An agreement pledging funds as described in paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>be authorized by an ordinance or resolution of the county;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>be in writing;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>be executed on behalf of the county making the pledge, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, and any other person or entity that the governing body of the county determines; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>benefit, and be enforceable on behalf of, the holders of any MEDCO obligation secured by the agreement.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a county may establish a special taxing district, issue bonds, or impose an ad valorem or special tax under this subtitle only if a request to the county is made by both:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the owners of at least two–thirds of the assessed valuation of the real property located in the special taxing district; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>at least two–thirds of the owners of the real property located in the special taxing district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For purposes of paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>multiple owners of a single parcel are treated as a single owner; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a single owner of multiple parcels is treated as one owner.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-504" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>The purpose of the authority granted under this subtitle is to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>finance, refinance, or reimburse the cost of establishing, acquiring, designing, constructing, altering, or extending adequate infrastructure improvements as necessary for the development and use of land in any defined geographic region in the county, including storm drainage systems, sewers, water systems, roads, bridges, culverts, tunnels, sidewalks, lighting, parking, parks and recreation facilities, libraries, schools, transit facilities, and solid waste facilities; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide a source of funding for payment of costs of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>operating and maintaining infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An infrastructure improvement financed under subsection (a)(1) of this section may be located:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in the special taxing district; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>outside the special taxing district if the infrastructure improvement is reasonably related to other infrastructure improvements in the special taxing district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>For the purposes of this subtitle and any authority granted by this subtitle, a sustainable community, as defined in § 6–201 of the Housing and Community Development Article, shall be considered the same as a transit–oriented development.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-505" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless otherwise provided in the charter, bylaws, or code of a county, before the governing body of a county enacts an ordinance or resolution that establishes a special taxing district, authorizes the issuance of bonds, or imposes ad valorem or special taxes under this subtitle, the governing body shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>hold a public hearing; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>give notice of the public hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least 10 days before the date of the hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before a county may establish as a special taxing district an area that is wholly or partly within a municipality or other county listed in § 21–502(a) of this subtitle, the county shall get the consent of the governing body of the municipality or another county.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-506" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>By resolution, the governing body of a county:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may designate an area as a special taxing district; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall create a special fund with respect to the special taxing district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A resolution creating a special fund under subsection (a) of this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>pledge to the special fund the proceeds of the ad valorem or special tax to be imposed as provided under § 21–508 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>require that the proceeds from the tax be paid into the special fund.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-507" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <text>If no bonds authorized by this subtitle are outstanding with respect to a special taxing district, the governing body of the county may use money in the special fund for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any purpose specified in this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>paying debt service on bonds to be issued later;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>payment or reimbursement of debt service that the county is obligated under a general or limited obligation to pay, or has paid, on MEDCO obligations or any bond, note, or other similar instrument issued by the State, any unit or political subdivision of the State, or the Revenue Authority of Prince George’s County, the proceeds of which were used for any purpose specified in this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>payment to the county to provide money for any legal purpose as determined by the governing body of the county.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-508" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>The governing body of a county may provide for the imposition of an ad valorem or special tax on all real and personal property in a special taxing district at a rate or amount designed to provide adequate revenue:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to pay the principal of, interest on, and any redemption premium on any bonds;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to replenish any debt service reserve fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>for any other purpose related to the ongoing expenses of or security for bonds;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>to pay costs of infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>to pay costs of operating and maintaining infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>to secure payment by the county of its obligations under an agreement described in § 21–503(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Ad valorem taxes under this subtitle shall be imposed in the same manner, on the same assessments, for the same period, and as of the same date of finality as required for county property taxes in the special taxing district.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>As an alternative to imposing ad valorem taxes under this subtitle, the governing body of a county may impose special taxes in accordance with this subsection on property in a special taxing district.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In determining the basis for and amount of a special tax, the cost of an improvement may be calculated and imposed:</text> <level label="i"> <text>equally per front foot, lot, parcel, dwelling unit, or square foot;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>according to the value of the property, with or without regard to improvements on the property; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>in any other reasonable manner that results in a fair allocation of the cost of the infrastructure improvements.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The governing body of a county may enact an ordinance or a resolution for:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the maximum amount of a special tax to be imposed on any parcel;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the tax year or other date after which further special taxes under this subtitle may not be imposed on a parcel; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>whether, and the circumstances under which, a special tax on a parcel may be increased because of delinquency or default by the owner of that parcel or by the owner of any other parcel.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>By ordinance or resolution, the governing body of a county may establish procedures allowing for the prepayment of special taxes under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A special tax imposed under this subtitle shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>unless otherwise provided in an ordinance or a resolution, be collected and secured in the same manner as general ad valorem taxes; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>in the case of delinquency, be subject to the same penalties, procedure, sale, and lien priority as general ad valorem taxes.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-509" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>A special taxing district established under this subtitle shall be terminated if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>no bonds authorized by this subtitle are outstanding with respect to the special taxing district;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>no MEDCO obligations as to which a county has pledged revenues under this subtitle are outstanding with respect to the special taxing district; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the governing body of the county determines not to use money in the special fund for payment of costs of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>operating and maintaining infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit–oriented development or a State hospital redevelopment.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Any money remaining in the special fund on the date of termination of the special taxing district shall be paid to the general fund of the county.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-510" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>The special fund and any sinking fund established by a county under this subtitle are subject to § 19–102 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proceeds of bonds issued under this subtitle are subject to §§ 17–101 and 17–102 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-511" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding any other law, a county may issue bonds as provided under this subtitle for the purposes stated in § 21–504(a)(1) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To issue bonds under this subtitle, the governing body of a county shall adopt an ordinance or a resolution that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>describes the proposed undertaking;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>states:</text> <level label="i"> <text>that the governing body has complied with §§ 21–506 and 21–508 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the maximum principal amount of bonds to be issued; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the maximum rate of interest for the bonds; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>establishes a covenant to impose ad valorem or special taxes on all real and personal property in the special taxing district at a rate or in an amount sufficient to provide for the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds in each year that the bonds are outstanding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>For bonds to be issued to finance the proposed undertaking, the ordinance or resolution may specify:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the principal amount;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the rate of interest;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the manner and terms of sale;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the time of execution, issuance, and delivery;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the form, purpose, and denominations;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>the manner in which and the times and places at which the principal of and interest on the bonds shall be paid;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>conditions for payment of principal of and interest on the bonds before maturity; or</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>other provisions consistent with this subtitle that the governing body of the county determines are necessary or desirable.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The ordinance or resolution may specify the items listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection or may authorize:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the county’s finance board or other appropriate financial officer to specify those items by resolution; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the county’s chief executive officer to specify those items by executive order.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The following may not be subject to a referendum because of any State or local law:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an ordinance or a resolution authorizing the bonds;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an ordinance, a resolution, or an executive order passed or adopted in furtherance of the ordinance or resolution authorizing the bonds;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the bonds;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the designation of a special taxing district; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the imposition of ad valorem or special taxes.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-512" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>A bond issued under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may be in bearer form or coupon form;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may be registrable as to principal alone or as to both principal and interest; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is a security under § 8–102 of the Commercial Law Article, whether the bond is one of a class or series or is divisible into a class or series of instruments.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A bond shall be signed manually or in facsimile by the chief executive officer of the county.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The clerk or other similar administrative officer of the county shall attest to and affix the seal of the county to each bond.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An officer’s signature or countersignature on a bond remains valid if the officer ceases to be an officer before delivery of the bond.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A bond shall mature not later than 30 years after the date of issuance.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A county may sell bonds:</text> <level label="i"> <text>at a public or private sale; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>in any manner and on any terms that the governing body of the county considers best.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A contract to acquire property may provide that payment shall be made in bonds.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Bonds are exempt from §§ 19–205 and 19–206 of this article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-513" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <text>Bonds issued under this subtitle are securities:</text> <level label="1"> <text>that may be deposited with and received by a unit of the State or a political subdivision for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or obligations of the State is authorized by law; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in which any of the following persons or entities may invest money:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an officer or a unit of the State or a political subdivision of the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a bank, a trust company, a savings and loan association, or an investment company;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>an insurance company; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a personal representative, a trustee, or any other fiduciary.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-514" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Bonds are payable from the special fund required under § 21–506 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Bonds issued under this subtitle are a special obligation of the county and are not a general obligation debt of the county or a pledge of the county’s full faith and credit or taxing power.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The governing body of a county that issues bonds under this subtitle may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish a sinking fund;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>establish a debt service reserve fund;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>pledge other assets and revenues toward the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>provide for municipal bond insurance or any other financial guaranty of the bonds.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-515" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <text>Bond proceeds shall be used only to pay the cost of infrastructure improvements, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the cost of establishing, acquiring, designing, constructing, extending, or altering infrastructure improvements;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the cost of issuing bonds;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>payment of the principal of and interest on loans, money advances, or indebtedness incurred by the county for any purpose stated in § 21–504(a) of this subtitle, including refunding bonds previously issued; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>funding of a debt service reserve fund or payment of interest before, during, or for a limited period of time after constructing the infrastructure improvements.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-516" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <text>The principal amount of bonds, the interest payable on bonds, the transfer of bonds, and any income from bonds, including profit made in the sale or transfer of bonds, are exempt from State and local taxes.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-519" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <text>A law enacted by Anne Arundel County under this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall specify the type of infrastructure and related costs that may be financed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall require:</text> <level label="i"> <text>reasonable disclosure in a real estate contract to buyers of real property in a special taxing district of any special assessment, special tax, or other fee or charge for which the buyer would be liable due to the special taxing district; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>that, if a seller fails to provide the disclosure, the buyer may void the contract before the date of settlement;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>shall require adequate debt service reserve funds to be maintained;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>may provide:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for exemptions, deferrals, and credits; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for a lien to attach to property in a special taxing district to the extent of that property owner’s obligation under any special taxing district financing; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>may not allow:</text> <level label="i"> <text>acceleration of assessments or taxes by reason of bond default; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an increase in the maximum special assessments, special taxes, or other fees or charges applicable to any individual property if other property owners become delinquent in paying a special assessment, a special tax, or any other fee or charge securing bonds issued under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-520" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, Cecil County may exercise the authority granted under this subtitle only in a designated growth area as defined in the county comprehensive plan.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The governing body of Cecil County shall hold at least one public hearing on a bill establishing a special taxing district.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the public hearing, the governing body may consider the following elements of a proposed development that would receive the proceeds of a bond:</text> <level label="i"> <text>development design standards;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the use of transfer of development rights or other methods of increasing the density of development;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>design and use of open space; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>availability and design of recreational and educational facilities.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A law enacted by Cecil County under this subtitle shall require that adequate debt service reserve funds be maintained.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (e)(2) of this section and notwithstanding § 21–503(c) of this subtitle, before Cecil County may establish a special taxing district, all of the owners of real property in the proposed special taxing district shall petition the county to establish the special taxing district.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>For the purpose of providing Internet service, Cecil County may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>exercise the authority granted under this subtitle in the entirety of the unincorporated area of the county;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>establish a special taxing district if property owners in the proposed special taxing district petition the county in accordance with § 21–503(c) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>impose ad valorem or special taxes and issue bonds under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-521" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Charles County may exercise the authority granted under this subtitle to provide financing, refinancing, or reimbursement of costs for the purposes under § 21–504(a) of this subtitle relating to the development of resort hotels and conference centers in a waterfront planned community.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to imposing ad valorem or special taxes under this subtitle, Charles County may impose a hotel rental tax in a special taxing district to provide financing, refinancing, or reimbursement of costs for the purposes under § 21–504(a) of this subtitle relating to the development of resort hotels and conference centers in a waterfront planned community.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The taxes provided under this subtitle for payment of bonds and pledged to the special fund may include the hotel rental tax authorized under this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The hotel rental tax authorized under this subsection is in addition to the hotel rental tax authorized under Title 20, Subtitle 4 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The rate of the hotel rental tax authorized under this subsection may not exceed the rate of the hotel rental tax imposed under Title 20, Subtitle 4 of this article in effect on the day the governing body of Charles County establishes a special taxing district under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The proceeds from the hotel rental tax authorized under this subsection may be used only for the purposes authorized under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Charles County may not impose the hotel rental tax authorized under this subsection outside a special taxing district established under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Charles County may exercise the authority granted under this subtitle to provide financing, refinancing, or reimbursement for the cost of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>convention centers, conference centers, and visitors’ centers;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>maintaining infrastructure improvements, convention centers, conference centers, and visitors’ centers; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>marketing special taxing district facilities and other improvements.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Any financing, refinancing, or reimbursement provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be contingent on the review and approval of the Board of County Commissioners of Charles County.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In exercising its authority under paragraph (1) of this subsection, Charles County may establish minority business enterprise participation goals for each development project wholly or partly financed through bonds issued under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-522" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, Harford County may exercise the authority granted under this subtitle only in a designated growth area as defined in the county Master Plan and Land Use Element Plan.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Harford County may not exercise the authority granted under this subtitle in any rural village.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In Harford County, a special taxing district may be established only by a law enacted by the governing body of the county.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>At a public hearing on a bill establishing a special taxing district, the governing body of Harford County may consider elements of a proposed development that would receive the proceeds of bonds, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>development design standards;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the use of transfer of development rights or other methods of achieving density of development;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>design and use of open space; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>availability and design of recreational and educational facilities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A law enacted by Harford County establishing a special taxing district shall require that adequate debt service reserve funds be maintained.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Notwithstanding § 21–503(c) of this subtitle, before Harford County may establish a special taxing district, all of the owners of real property in the proposed special taxing district shall petition the county to establish the special taxing district.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-523" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Districts for Infrastructure Improvements for Selected Counties"> <text>Prince George’s County may exercise the authority granted under this subtitle to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>impose hotel rental taxes; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide financing, refinancing, or reimbursement for the cost of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>convention centers, conference centers, and visitors’ centers;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>maintaining infrastructure improvements, convention centers, conference centers, and visitors’ centers;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>marketing special taxing district facilities and other improvements; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>renovating, rehabilitating, and repairing existing buildings, building systems, and components for existing residential condominiums designated as workforce housing, as defined in § 4–1801 of the Housing and Community Development Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-601" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Bond” means a bond, note, or other evidence of obligation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Commission” means the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Sanitary district” has the meaning stated in § 16–101 of the Public Utilities Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>“Stormwater management” means the planning, designing, acquisition, construction, demolition, maintenance, and operation of facilities, practices, and programs for the control and disposition of storm and surface water.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Stormwater management” includes floodproofing, flood control, and navigation programs.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In Prince George’s County, “stormwater management” also means the protection, conservation, regulation, creation, and acquisition of property described in §§ 5–901(g) and 16–101(l) of the Environment Article, consistent with federal and State laws and regulations on the subject of nontidal and private wetlands.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Stormwater management district” means a stormwater management district authorized under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-602" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <text>This subtitle applies only in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-603" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>This subtitle shall be liberally construed to carry out its purposes.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle does not impair the rights and privileges vested in the holders of bonds issued by the Commission or Prince George’s County for stormwater management.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-606" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Montgomery County may establish a stormwater management district that includes the land in its boundaries, except for the land in the City of Takoma Park.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In its stormwater management district, Montgomery County shall provide efficient stormwater management services to the residents and property owners of the stormwater management district with adequate facilities for development and promotion of safety for life and property.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The stormwater management services shall include those formerly performed by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Montgomery County may not exercise stormwater management authority in the City of Takoma Park unless the city and county otherwise agree.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The stormwater management district is a special taxing district for the purpose of stormwater management.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Montgomery County may establish one or more special taxing areas within its stormwater management district.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-607" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Prince George’s County may establish a stormwater management district that includes the land in its boundaries, except for the land in the City of Bowie.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In its stormwater management district, Prince George’s County shall provide efficient stormwater management services to the residents and property owners of the stormwater management district with adequate facilities for development and promotion of safety for life and property.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The stormwater management services shall include those formerly performed by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Prince George’s County may not exercise stormwater management authority in the City of Bowie unless the city and county otherwise agree.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The stormwater management district is a special taxing district for the purpose of stormwater management.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prince George’s County may establish one or more special taxing areas in its stormwater management district.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-608" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <text>The Commission may enter into agreements with Montgomery County and Prince George’s County to perform stormwater management activities on behalf of each county as the county considers necessary and appropriate to maintain effective stormwater management programs in the stormwater management district.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-611" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <text>Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and the City of Takoma Park shall have independent and supplemental authority to enact an ordinance or other legislation to issue bonds for the purposes provided in this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-612" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and the City of Takoma Park may issue bonds in any amount that they consider necessary to provide money for their respective portions of the stormwater management programs and systems authorized under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The proceeds of bonds issued under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be used for the planning, acquisition, construction, reconstruction, establishment, extension, enlargement, demolition, or purchase of facilities, including land, interests in land, or equipment, for stormwater management programs and systems.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>Bonds of the City of Takoma Park authorized by this subtitle may be issued in conjunction with bonds of Prince George’s County authorized by this subtitle in the manner provided by resolutions of the City Council of the City of Takoma Park and the County Council of Prince George’s County, subject in each case to approval of bond counsel for the respective jurisdiction.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The resolutions may include procedures for a joint or coordinated offering or sale of the bonds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Prince George’s County may issue bonds authorized by this subtitle payable from the ad valorem taxes authorized by § 21–623(a) of this subtitle for the benefit of the City of Takoma Park for the same purposes for which the City of Takoma Park may issue bonds under this subtitle in connection with systems located in the City of Takoma Park, subject to the approval of bond counsel for Prince George’s County.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The bonds authorized by this paragraph shall be approved by appropriate resolutions of the City Council of the City of Takoma Park and the County Council of Prince George’s County.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The resolutions shall provide for the lending of the appropriate portion of the proceeds of the bonds by Prince George’s County to the City of Takoma Park and the repayment of the loan by the City of Takoma Park to Prince George’s County in the amounts and at the times necessary to enable Prince George’s County to make all payments of principal of and interest on the bonds when due, including the proportionate part of any principal of any outstanding sinking fund bonds, as determined by the table of redemption of bonds for bonds issued by Prince George’s County for the benefit of the City of Takoma Park for stormwater management under this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-613" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <text>Bonds issued under this part:</text> <level label="1"> <text>are general obligation bonds of the issuing authority that are fully registered as to both principal and interest when approved by ordinance or other legislative act of the county or city;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall bear interest payable at any time and at any annual rate as provided or authorized by legislative act;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>may not mature later than 40 years from the date of their issue;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>may be made redeemable before maturity at the option of the issuing authority, at any price and under any terms and conditions that are set before their issuance;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>shall have any other terms and provisions and be otherwise issued as provided or authorized by legislative act; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>shall be sold in any manner, either at a public or private negotiated sale, and on any terms, at, above, or below par, as provided or authorized by legislative act.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-614" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <text>Bonds issued under this part, a transfer of the bonds, the interest payable on the bonds, and any income derived from the bonds, including any profit realized in the sale or exchange of the bonds, are exempt from taxation by the State or by any county, municipality, or other public unit of the State.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-615" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <text>Bonds authorized by this part and the issuance and sale of the bonds are exempt from §§ 19–205 and 19–206 of this article.</text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-616" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Bonds authorized by this part are, and shall state, an irrevocable pledge of the full faith and credit and unlimited taxing power of the issuing authority to the payment of the maturing principal of and interest on the bonds as and when the bonds become payable.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The bonds shall be payable first from the stormwater management fund of the issuing authority.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To the extent a stormwater management fund is insufficient to pay the principal, interest, and redemption premium, if any, on the bonds, the issuing authority shall impose ad valorem taxes, unlimited as to rate or amount, on all assessable property in the stormwater management district in an amount sufficient to provide for the payment of the principal, interest, and redemption premium, if any, when due.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-617" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <text>Notwithstanding any limitation or provision of any charter or local law regulating the creation of public debts or the financing of capital projects, bonds issued under this part, the borrowing that the bonds represent, the pledge of the full faith and credit of the issuing authority or any other guarantee of the issuing authority, and the programs or projects being financed are not subject to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any referendum requirement of the charter or local law of the authority issuing the bonds or in which the programs or projects are located;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any limitation of the charter or local law on the rate of taxation or the aggregate amount of taxes that may be imposed by the issuing authority; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any requirement of charter or local law as to the form or public sale of the bonds.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-618" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Bonds issued by Montgomery County or Prince George’s County to provide money for stormwater management remain valid, binding, and enforceable in accordance with their terms, including any provision for a maturity date beyond June 30, 1990.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding the repeal, expiration, or termination after the date of issuance of the bonds of the authority under which the bonds were issued, the rights of the bondholders and the responsibilities and obligations of Montgomery County or Prince George’s County with respect to the bonds may not be impaired and shall remain in full force and effect.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The responsibility of Montgomery County or Prince George’s County includes the responsibility to repay the bonds and to impose taxes for or otherwise guarantee the payment of the bonds.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-621" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>This part does not impair the rights of Prince George’s County or the City of Bowie to contract with each other for the provision of stormwater management.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This part does not impair the rights of Prince George’s County or the City of Takoma Park to contract with each other, or with other parties, for the provision of stormwater management.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-622" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In the stormwater management district, Prince George’s County may require an owner or developer of a subdivision or tract of land on which buildings are to be erected to contribute what the county determines to be a fair share of the cost of a stormwater management project before the county approves or constructs the project.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In the City of Bowie, the city may require an owner or developer of a subdivision or tract of land on which buildings are to be erected to contribute what the city determines to be a fair share of the cost of a stormwater management project before the city approves or constructs the project.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In the City of Takoma Park, the city may require an owner or developer of a subdivision or tract of land on which buildings are to be erected to contribute what the City Council determines to be a fair share of the cost of a stormwater management project in the city’s jurisdiction before the City Council approves the project for construction.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In Montgomery County, except for property in the City of Takoma Park, the Montgomery County Council may require an owner or developer of a subdivision or tract of land on which buildings are to be erected to contribute what the County Council determines to be a fair share of the cost of a stormwater management project in the county’s jurisdiction before the County Council approves the project for construction.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Before construction begins, the contribution shall be paid in cash or secured to the satisfaction of the approving authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, the City of Bowie, and the City of Takoma Park each may construct in its boundaries any part of an approved stormwater management project if the owner or developer contributes a share of the cost of the project considered appropriate by the approving authority.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, the City of Bowie, and the City of Takoma Park each shall include in its annual capital budget for stormwater management capital projects an amount representing anticipated contributions to stormwater management.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-623" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County each may impose an ad valorem tax on all property assessed for tax purposes in the stormwater management district at a rate required to produce the amount needed to pay for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>maintenance of stormwater management systems in the stormwater management district that were maintained by the Commission before July 1, 1987, and systems established by each county on or after July 1, 1987;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the principal and interest that becomes due and owing to the bondholders during the following year and the proportionate part of the principal of all outstanding sinking fund bonds, as determined by the table of redemption of bonds for bonds issued by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Commission for stormwater management; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the county for stormwater management under this subtitle; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the cost of stormwater management activities and practices in the stormwater management district, as approved in the county’s annual stormwater management budget and appropriations resolution for the following fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission shall certify annually to each county the amount necessary to produce the sum required to pay the principal, interest, and other obligations for the current year on the outstanding bonds issued by the Commission to pay for stormwater management projects in the county’s stormwater management district.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The county shall pay the amount certified under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the taxes authorized by this section shall be imposed and collected in the same manner, have the same priority, bear the same interest, and be treated in all respects as other county taxes.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Notwithstanding any provision of charter or other law, the taxes may not be subject to a limitation on the tax rate or tax revenues of the county.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The tax revenues shall be deposited and maintained in a separate stormwater management fund established under § 21–627 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The tax revenues deposited in the fund shall be in addition to all other county taxes and may not be considered county taxes for the purpose of applying the limitations in Article VIII, § 812 of the Prince George’s County Charter.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-624" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies only in Montgomery County.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsections (c)(1) and (d) of this section, the County Council of Montgomery County shall impose an ad valorem tax on all property assessed for tax purposes in the county, including property in any municipality in the county.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except for the City of Takoma Park, the ad valorem tax may not exceed:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="0"> <text>4 cent per $100 of the assessed value of real property; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>1 cent per $100 of the assessed value of personal property and operating real property described in § 8–109(c) of the Tax – Property Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The tax shall be in an amount necessary to pay for the maintenance of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>stormwater management systems in the part of the sanitary district in Montgomery County that were previously maintained by the Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>on application of a municipality, any stormwater management system previously maintained by the municipality.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If a municipality decides to maintain all existing stormwater management systems in its boundaries, the municipality shall notify the county council of its intent to maintain the stormwater management systems before the date on which the county council adopts its annual budget.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the conditions set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection are met, all assessable properties in the municipality shall be exempt from the tax imposed under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The county shall maintain every interest in stormwater easements, structures, and other properties in the county, whether or not established by plat, that were transferred by deed to the county.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission and any municipality in the county shall allow the county to enter and exit over any fee, leasehold, easement, or right–of–way of the Commission or municipality to maintain any stormwater easement, structure, or other property.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-625" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the City of Takoma Park may impose an ad valorem tax on all property assessed for tax purposes in the city at a rate required to produce the amount needed to pay for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>maintenance of stormwater management systems in the city that were maintained by the Commission before July 1, 1990, and systems established by the city on or after July 1, 1990;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the principal and interest that becomes due and owing to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the bondholders during the following year and the proportionate part of the principal of all outstanding sinking fund bonds, as determined by the table of redemption of bonds for bonds issued by or on behalf of the city on or after July 1, 1990, for stormwater management under this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Prince George’s County with respect to the repayment of any loan made by the county to the City of Takoma Park under § 21–612(b) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the cost of stormwater management activities and practices in the city, as approved in the city’s annual stormwater management budget and appropriations resolution for the following fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In lieu of the ad valorem taxes authorized by subsection (a) of this section, the City of Takoma Park may adopt a stormwater management utility fee system or user charges to pay the costs of stormwater management activities and projects based on factors such as land use, amount of runoff, conservation, and environmental and other considerations.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the taxes authorized by this section shall be imposed and collected in the same manner, have the same priority, bear the same interest, and be treated in all respects as other taxes imposed by the City of Takoma Park.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Notwithstanding any provision of the charter, laws, or ordinances of the City of Takoma Park, the taxes may not be subject to a limitation on the tax rate or tax revenues of the city.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The tax revenues, user charges, and utility fees shall be deposited and maintained in a separate stormwater management fund established under § 21–628 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-626" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Property owned by the State or a unit of State government, a county, a municipality, or a regularly organized volunteer fire department that is used for public purposes is exempt from the taxes, user charges, and utility fees imposed under this part.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Property that is not in a stormwater management district or is not otherwise provided direct or indirect stormwater management services in a stormwater management district may not have a tax imposed by the county until the county acquires, extends, or begins to provide stormwater management services, facilities, or programs to the property.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-627" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>On establishing a stormwater management district, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County each shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish a stormwater management fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>deposit in the fund:</text> <level label="i"> <text>receipts and revenues from an ad valorem tax imposed under § 21–623 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>charges, fees, fees–in–lieu, and other contributions received from any person or governmental unit in connection with stormwater management activities or practices.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Money in a county stormwater management fund shall be used only to pay for the costs of stormwater management as set forth in § 21–623(a) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-628" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>The City of Takoma Park shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish a stormwater management fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>deposit in the fund:</text> <level label="i"> <text>receipts and revenues from any ad valorem tax, user charge, or utility fee imposed under § 21–625 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>charges, fees, fees–in–lieu, and other contributions received from any person or governmental unit in connection with stormwater management activities or practices.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Money in the Takoma Park stormwater management fund shall be used only to pay for the costs of stormwater management as set forth in § 21–625(a) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-629" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>If land in the Prince George’s County stormwater management district is annexed by the City of Bowie or the City of Takoma Park, the land is no longer part of the county stormwater management district.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the annexing municipality is responsible for stormwater management in the annexed area.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Prince George’s County shall impose and collect from the annexed property an ad valorem tax at a rate sufficient to pay the principal, interest, and other obligations on outstanding bonds issued by the Commission or Prince George’s County for stormwater management before the annexation.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-632" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Each county and the City of Takoma Park is responsible for the maintenance of stormwater management systems or parts of systems located in its stormwater management district and transferred to it under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission and any municipality in Montgomery County or Prince George’s County shall allow the county to enter and exit over any fee, leasehold, easement, or right–of–way of the Commission or the municipality to maintain any stormwater management easement, structure, or other property.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-633" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the county where the project is located shall maintain every stormwater management system and part of every system that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>was constructed by the Commission or the county or accepted for maintenance by the Commission or the county; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is located in a street, an alley, a public way, or a public space.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless the county agrees otherwise:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a stormwater management system that is located on real property owned by the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission shall be maintained by the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a stormwater management system or facility that is located in a road maintained by the State Highway Administration shall be maintained by the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-634" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <text>On or after July 1, 1990, the City of Takoma Park shall maintain every stormwater management system and part of every system that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>was constructed by the Commission or accepted for maintenance by the Commission within the City of Takoma Park before July 1, 1990; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is located in a street, an alley, a public way, or a public space.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-637" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>In the review and approval by Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, or the City of Takoma Park of the requirements for storm drainage or stormwater management, the county or city may require the owner of land to be developed to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide easement areas or on–site stormwater management facilities; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>agree to construct the necessary facilities or provide for the construction by posting a bond in an amount sufficient to construct the stormwater management facilities that the county or city considers necessary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If the county or the City of Takoma Park decides to construct stormwater management facilities to serve more than one development or if the county or city agrees to allow the owner or developer to construct a stormwater management system, the county or city may enter into an agreement with the developers of new developments for payment by the developers of a fee in lieu of on–site stormwater management facilities.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The fee in lieu of on–site stormwater management facilities shall be based on an equitable pro rata share of the net cost of the facilities after deducting any State or federal grants applied to the construction of the facilities.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The county or the City of Takoma Park may require the owner’s bond or the contribution of a pro rata share of the net cost for the construction of facilities in adjacent or nearby land in the same drainage area that the county or city may determine will be required because of the development of the owner’s land.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Easements required by the county or the City of Takoma Park shall have the restrictions that the county or city may require as to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>grading; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>prohibiting structures, fences, or plantings on the easement area.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission may not approve a plat for subdivision of land until it ascertains from the county, the City of Bowie, or the City of Takoma Park, whichever is appropriate, whether easement areas for stormwater management facilities are required.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If easement areas are required, the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission may not approve the plat for recordation until the easements are included on the plat.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-638" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, the City of Bowie, the City of Takoma Park, and any person or municipality may not adopt a stormwater management plan, system, or design in these jurisdictions, including a capital improvement program for stormwater management, unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the stormwater management plan or design is in accordance with the 6–year capital improvement program of the jurisdiction responsible for stormwater management in the affected area and is approved by that jurisdiction; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the plan, system, or design is intended to protect an individual’s home and has no adverse impact on other properties or stormwater management systems.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>If Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, the City of Bowie, or the City of Takoma Park prepares a stormwater management plan, system, or design, or if a stormwater management plan, system, or design has been submitted to Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, the City of Bowie, or the City of Takoma Park, the city or county shall submit a copy of the plan, system, or design to the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>After the submission, the Commission shall have a specified, reasonable time to review and comment on the plan, system, or design to the city or county to indicate any conflict in the plan, system, or design with the existing or planned water supply or sanitary sewer systems of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The stormwater management system or design approved by Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, the City of Bowie, or the City of Takoma Park shall be consistent with the Commission’s comments.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>When the Commission receives a copy of a plan from the City of Bowie, the Commission promptly shall provide a copy to the County Council and County Executive of Prince George’s County for review and comment.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>When the Commission receives a copy of a plan from the City of Takoma Park, the Commission promptly shall provide a copy to the County Council and County Executive of Montgomery County for review and comment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>When Prince George’s County receives a plan that provides for drainage into a storm drain or stormwater management facility of the City of Bowie or onto any easement of the City of Bowie, the county promptly shall provide a copy of the plan to the City of Bowie for review and comment.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Commission or Prince George’s County, after reviewing a plan submitted by the City of Bowie, advises the city that the Commission or county finds that construction in accordance with the plan will cause stormwater runoff problems in the maintenance of existing facilities or construction and maintenance of planned facilities, the city may not authorize construction to begin until the matter is resolved.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Commission or Montgomery County, after reviewing a plan submitted by the City of Takoma Park, advises the city that the Commission or county finds that construction in accordance with the plan will cause stormwater runoff problems in the maintenance of existing facilities or construction and maintenance of planned facilities, the city may not authorize construction to begin until the matter is resolved.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-641" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <text>All property of the Commission that the Commission and the applicable county mutually determine to be used primarily for stormwater management is deemed transferred effective July 1, 1987, to that county as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>All property of the Commission that the Commission and the City of Takoma Park mutually determine to be used primarily for stormwater management is deemed transferred effective July 1, 1990, to the City of Takoma Park as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission shall execute instruments of transfer as necessary to evidence the transfers.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>All real and personal property, including all fees, leaseholds, easements, rights–of–way, buildings, fixtures, systems, and equipment, owned or held by the Commission for the primary purpose of stormwater management is transferred to the county in which the property is located or affixed or to the City of Takoma Park if the property is located in or affixed to the City of Takoma Park.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>All tangible and intangible personal property, including all equipment, construction materials, fees, fees–in–lieu, contributions, reserve funds, sinking funds, contracts, agreements, claims, demands, and actions, owned or held by the Commission for the primary purpose of stormwater management is transferred to the county in which is located the real property to which the personal property relates or to the City of Takoma Park if the real property to which the personal property relates is located in the City of Takoma Park or, if unrelated to specific property, is transferred in proportion to the real property acreage transferred to each county or to the City of Takoma Park under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Notwithstanding this section, the Commission shall retain sufficient funds to pay for debt service accruing before October 1, 1987, on outstanding bonds issued by the Commission for stormwater management and the undepreciated cost of the moveable assets transferred.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The transfer of property under this section does not impair the rights of holders of bonds issued by the Commission for stormwater management or the responsibility of the Commission for the repayment of the bonds or the responsibility of the counties to impose taxes for or otherwise guarantee the repayment of the bonds.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The City of Takoma Park is not responsible for payment to the Commission for debt service on any bonds issued by the Commission outstanding on June 30, 1990.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-644" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Stormwater Management Districts -- Montgomery and Prince George's Counties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to § 21–624 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person who violates the provisions of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates § 21–633, § 21–634, or § 21–637 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may be convicted of a second or subsequent violation of a provision of this subtitle or a regulation adopted under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-701" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Districts for Transportation Improvements"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Cost” has the meaning stated in § 21–501 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“County tax limitation” means a provision of a county charter that limits:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the maximum property tax rate that a county may impose; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the rate of growth of county property tax revenues.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“County transportation improvement” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for county roads and highways:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a county right–of–way, roadway surface, roadway subgrade, shoulder, median divider, drainage facility or structure, related stormwater management facility or structure, roadway cut, roadway fill, guardrail, bridge, highway grade separation structure, tunnel, overpass, underpass, interchange, entrance plaza, approach, or other structure forming an integral part of a street, road, or highway, including a bicycle or walking path, designated bus lane, sidewalk, pedestrian plaza, streetscaping, or related infrastructure; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any other property acquired for the construction, operation, or use of the highway; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for a county transit facility, any one or more or combination of tracks, rights–of–way, bridges, tunnels, subways, rolling stock, stations, terminals, ports, parking areas, equipment, fixtures, building structures, other real or personal property, or services incidental to or useful or designed for use in connection with the rendering of transit service by any means, including rail, bus, motor vehicle, or other mode of transportation, but does not include any railroad facility.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>“Special taxing district” means a defined geographic area designated by a county within which ad valorem or special taxes are imposed to finance the cost of infrastructure improvements.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“State transportation improvement” includes a highway facility, a transit facility, and related infrastructure.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>“Transit facility” has the meaning stated in § 3–101(k) of the Transportation Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A county tax limitation that would otherwise apply to ad valorem or special taxes imposed only in a special taxing district does not apply for the purpose of financing the cost of State transportation improvements or county transportation improvements.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-702" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Districts for Transportation Improvements"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Bond” means a special obligation bond, note, or other similar instrument issued by a county under this section.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Cost” means any expense necessary or incident to acquiring, building, or financing any transportation improvement as may be provided by the local law authorized under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>“Special tax” means an ad valorem or a special tax, an assessment, a fee, or a charge imposed by a county in a special taxing district.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Special tax” does not include an ad valorem or a special tax, an assessment, a fee, or a charge imposed under Chapter 20A of the Montgomery County Code.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>“Special taxing district” means a special taxing district, special assessment district, or similar defined geographical area in a county in which the county is authorized to impose a special tax.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Special taxing district” does not include a development district created under Chapter 20A of the Montgomery County Code.</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>“Transportation improvement” means a State transportation improvement or a county transportation improvement as defined in § 21–701 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding any other public general law, public local law, or charter of a charter county, a county may enact a law to provide for the issuance of bonds to finance the cost of transportation improvements for which the principal, interest, and any premium shall be paid from and secured by special taxes collected by the county in a special taxing district.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Bonds issued under this section are special obligations of the county and do not constitute a general obligation debt of the county or a pledge of the county’s full faith and credit or general taxing power.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Bonds issued under this section may be sold in any manner, either at public or private sale, and on terms as the county considers best.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Bonds issued under this section are not subject to §§ 19–205 and 19–206 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Bonds issued under this section, their transfer, the interest payable on them, and any income derived from them, including any profit realized on their sale or exchange, are exempt from taxation by the State, a county, or a municipality.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Bonds issued under this section shall be treated as securities to the same extent as bonds issued under Subtitle 5 of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In addition to the special taxes, bonds issued under this section may be secured by other revenues generated in the special taxing district.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>This section, being necessary for the welfare of the State and its residents, shall be liberally construed to effect its purposes.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-801" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies to all counties except Baltimore City.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The governing body of a county may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>provide for street lighting along the roads of the county; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>enter into contracts for the installation, maintenance, and operation of street lighting.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsections (g) and (h) of this section, a county shall pay the costs of street lighting provided for under this section by an ad valorem tax imposed on each property in the district served by the street lighting.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in subsections (e) and (f) of this section, the governing body of a county may create a street lighting district only on receipt of a petition signed by 60% of the owners of property located in the proposed district.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The petition shall describe the boundaries of the proposed electric lighting district.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>On receipt of the petition, the governing body of the county shall hold a public hearing at which the residents in the proposed street lighting district shall be given an opportunity to be heard.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The governing body shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>hold the hearing not less than 14 days nor more than 60 days following receipt of the petition; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>publish notice of the hearing at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the boundaries of the proposed street lighting district.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>After the hearing the governing body of the county may establish the street lighting district and impose on all property that is subject to county taxes and is located in the district ad valorem taxes at a rate sufficient to pay the cost of the street lighting.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All taxes under this subsection shall be imposed in the same manner as county taxes.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>In addition to the process set forth under subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section, the County Commissioners of Frederick County may create, on their own initiative, a street lighting district for undeveloped land in the county if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a subdivision plat for the land has not been approved by the County Planning Commission or recorded by the clerk of the court; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the district is created in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Before establishing a street lighting district under this section, the county commissioners shall hold a public hearing on the proposal, at which time the boundaries of the proposed district shall be fully described.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>A notice of public hearing together with a summary of the proposal shall be published in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county once each week for the 2 successive weeks immediately before the hearing.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may create a street lighting district on receipt of a petition signed by a majority of the owners of property located in the proposed district.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>Somerset County may pay the cost of street lighting provided in accordance with this section by a tax imposed equally only on improved property in the district.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>To cover the costs of street lighting, the County Commissioners of Washington County may impose either:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an ad valorem tax as provided in subsection (c) of this section; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a fixed amount per tax account that shall be uniform in the street lighting district.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Late payments are subject to interest from the date due at the same rate, and subject to the same collection procedures, as overdue county property taxes.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-802" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Within 60 days after the end of each fiscal or calendar year, a special taxing area commission or board in Allegany County that has the right to collect taxes or fees shall file a report with the County Commissioners of Allegany County to account for all taxes collected and disbursed.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A report required under this section shall be notarized.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The County Commissioners of Allegany County may require a certified audit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A report required under this section shall be open for public review at the courthouse and at a convenient location in the area where taxes or fees are collected.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-803" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The governing body of Anne Arundel County may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish special taxing districts; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>impose ad valorem taxes on all real property in a special taxing district at a rate sufficient to provide adequate annual revenue to pay the principal of and interest on any bonds or other obligations of the county issued to finance the design, acquisition, establishment, improvement, extension, operation, or alteration of public parking facilities or pedestrian malls.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Ad valorem taxes imposed under this section shall be imposed in the same manner, on the same assessments, for the same period, and as of the same date of finality as county real property taxes.</text> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-803.1" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <text>In addition to the purposes enumerated in Title 10 of this article, Anne Arundel County may establish, modify, or abolish special taxing districts for the purpose of providing or expanding water or wastewater services. </text> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-804" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>By ordinance, the County Commissioners of Calvert County may establish stormwater management districts.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before adopting an ordinance establishing stormwater management districts, the county commissioners by ordinance shall adopt a comprehensive stormwater management plan.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “area affected” means the critical area generating the run–off water and the area flooded.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A written petition requesting the creation of a stormwater management district and a stormwater management project may be presented to the County Commissioners of Calvert County by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>two–thirds of the real property owners in the area affected; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the owners of two–thirds of the real property in the area affected.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>On receipt of a valid petition, the County Commissioners of Calvert County shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>hold a public hearing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>mail a notice of the time and place of the hearing to each owner of real property in the proposed district at the address shown on the assessment records; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>publish notice of the time and place of the hearing in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county for 2 successive weeks.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>At the hearing, the county commissioners shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>determine, with the advice of the Calvert Soil Conservation District, the scope of the stormwater management project; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>advise the property owners of the approximate cost and estimated benefit charges to be imposed on property in the stormwater management district.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The County Commissioners of Calvert County shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>determine, with the advice of the Calvert Soil Conservation District, the extent to which the county shall assume responsibility for design, construction, and maintenance of the stormwater management project;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>determine responsibility for design, construction, and maintenance that is not to be assumed by the county;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>determine whether to proceed with plans and specifications; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>set a date for a final hearing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The date for the final hearing may be changed only after notice is given in accordance with subsection (c)(1) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>At the final hearing, the County Commissioners of Calvert County may establish the stormwater management district and designate the area included in the district.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the county commissioners establish a stormwater management district, the county commissioners shall determine:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the scope of the stormwater management project;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the estimated cost of the project;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the estimated costs to be assumed by the county;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the costs to be assumed by other persons; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>estimated benefit charges to be imposed on each individual property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The estimated benefit charges to be imposed on each individual property shall be based on the benefits accruing to each property in the stormwater management district to the extent the property is benefited by the project, as determined by the county commissioners.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The total cost of the project may be funded by the county commissioners, with individual costs paid back to the county by property owners in a period of time and with interest at a rate set by the county commissioners.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>If the County Commissioners of Calvert County proceed with a stormwater management project, the county commissioners shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>advertise for bids in the proper manner; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>On completion of a stormwater management project, the County Commissioners of Calvert County shall impose benefit charges on all real property in the stormwater management district.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The benefit charges imposed under this subsection shall be sufficient to meet the costs of the project other than the costs to be assumed by the county.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A benefit charge imposed under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is a lien on the real property on which it is imposed; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall be paid annually as county taxes are required to be paid, for the period of time established by the county commissioners.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>The County Commissioners of Calvert County may accept as a gift, or contract to purchase, land and easements required for the stormwater management district.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>On completion of the stormwater management project to county specifications:</text> <level label="i"> <text>Calvert County shall maintain the portions of the system that are located:</text> <level label="1"> <text>on county–owned rights–of–way and drainage ways; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>on drainage ways for which the county has accepted a permanent easement; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>all other portions of the system shall be maintained by the owner of the property on which a portion of the system is located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>If the owner of the property does not maintain the portion of the drainage system located on the property, the county, after proper notice, may enter the property and correct the drainage problem.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All costs for actions taken by the county under this paragraph shall be charged as a lien on the real property.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-805" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Department” means the Crofton Police Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is a Crofton Police Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>established to provide protection for the Crofton Special Community Benefit District in Anne Arundel County; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>responsible for enforcing the applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations of the State and Anne Arundel County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department is not an agency of Anne Arundel County.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The officers, employees, and agents of the Department are not officers, employees, or agents of Anne Arundel County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Anne Arundel County is not responsible for the acts or omissions of the Department or the officers, employees, or agents of the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Chief of Police of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Chief of Police shall be appointed by the Town Manager of the Crofton Special Community Benefit District, with the approval of the Board of Directors of the Crofton Civic Association, Incorporated, acting as administrator of the Crofton Special Community Benefit District.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Chief of Police shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>experienced in the command of uniformed patrols and in the detection and investigation of crime; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>selected solely on the basis of qualifications for the position.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The Chief of Police shall be responsible directly to the Town Manager.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All orders to the Department from the Town Manager shall be directed through the Chief of Police or the designee of the Chief of Police.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The Chief of Police shall command and administer the Department.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The duties of the Chief of Police include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>being responsible for the efficiency and good conduct of the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>overseeing the general operation of the Department;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>hiring employees and appointing officers; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>disciplining employees and officers.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Chief of Police:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shall serve at the pleasure of the Town Manager; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of the Crofton Civic Association, Incorporated, acting as administrator of the Crofton Special Community Benefit District, may be removed by the Town Manager.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A member of the Department has all the powers granted to a peace officer and a police officer of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The powers granted under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be exercised only on property in the Crofton Special Community Benefit District and not on any other property, unless a member of the Department is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>engaged in fresh pursuit of a suspected offender;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>specially requested or allowed to exercise the powers in a political subdivision by the chief executive officer or chief police officer of the political subdivision; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>ordered to exercise the powers by the Governor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Members of the Department have concurrent jurisdiction in the performance of their duties with the law enforcement agencies of the State and Anne Arundel County.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>This section does not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>relieve the State or Anne Arundel County from a duty to provide police, fire, and other public safety service and protection; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>affect the jurisdiction of other police, fire, and public safety agencies.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission shall adopt standards, qualifications, and prerequisites of character, training, education, human and public relations, and experience for the Department, including standards for the performance of the duties of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission may delegate to the Board of Directors of the Crofton Civic Association, Incorporated, the authority to adopt standards, qualifications, and prerequisites under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board of Directors of the Crofton Civic Association, Incorporated, acting as administrator of the Crofton Special Community Benefit District, shall adopt rules and regulations governing the operation and conduct of the Department, including its police officers.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The rules and regulations of the Board of Directors concerning police officers shall supplement any rules or regulations of the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Disobedience to the lawful commands, rules, or regulations of the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission or the Board of Directors shall be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>Funding for the Department shall come from revenue derived from special taxes or assessments imposed on real property located in the Crofton Special Community Benefit District.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department or the Board of Directors of the Crofton Civic Association, Incorporated, acting as administrator of the Crofton Special Community Benefit District, may apply for, accept, and spend any gift or grant for the benefit or use of the Department from the federal government, any State unit, any foundation, or any other person.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="glg" article_name="Local Government" number="21-806" title_number="21" title_name="Special Taxing Districts" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “Department” means the Ocean Pines Police Department.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>There is an Ocean Pines Police Department.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>established to provide protection for the Ocean Pines community in Worcester County; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>responsible for enforcing the applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations of the State and Worcester County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Department is not an agency of Worcester County.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The officers, employees, and agents of the Department are not officers, employees, or agents of Worcester County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Worcester County is not responsible for the acts or omissions of the Department or the officers, employees, or agents of the Department.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Chief of Police of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The Chief of Police shall be appointed by the General Manager of the Ocean Pines Association.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The Chief of Police shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>experienced in the command of uniformed patrols and the detection and investigation of crime; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>selected solely on the basis of qualifications for the position.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The Chief of Police shall be responsible directly to the General Manager.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>All orders to the Department from the General Manager shall be directed through the Chief of Police or the designee of the Chief of Police.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The Chief of Police shall command and administer the Department.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The duties of the Chief of Police include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>being responsible for the efficiency and good conduct of the Department;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>overseeing the general operation of the Department;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>hiring employees and appointing officers, subject to the approval of the General Manager; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>disciplining employees and officers.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Chief of Police shall serve at the pleasure of the General Manager and may be removed by the General Manager.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>A member of the Department has all the powers granted to a peace officer and a police officer of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The powers granted under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be exercised only on property in the Ocean Pines community and not on any other property, unless a member of the Department is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>acting under an agreement with another law enforcement agency;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>engaged in fresh pursuit of a suspected offender;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>specially requested or allowed to exercise the powers in a political subdivision by the chief executive officer or chief police officer of the political subdivision; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>ordered to exercise the powers by the Governor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Members of the Department have concurrent jurisdiction in the performance of their duties with the law enforcement agencies of the State and Worcester County.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>This section does not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>relieve the State or Worcester County from a duty to provide police, fire, and other public safety service and protection; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>affect the jurisdiction of other police, fire, and public safety agencies.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission shall adopt standards, qualifications, and prerequisites of character, training, education, human and public relations, and experience for the Department, including standards for the performance of the duties of the Department.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission may delegate to the Board of Directors of the Ocean Pines Association, Incorporated, the authority to adopt standards, qualifications, and prerequisites under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board of Directors of the Ocean Pines Association, Incorporated, shall adopt rules governing the operation and conduct of the Department, including its police officers.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The rules of the Board of Directors concerning police officers shall supplement any rules or regulations of the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Disobedience to the lawful commands, rules, or regulations of the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission or the Board of Directors shall be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>Funding for the Department shall come from revenue derived from assessments imposed on real property located in the Ocean Pines community and other available sources.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Department or the Board of Directors of the Ocean Pines Association, Incorporated, acting as administrator of the Ocean Pines community, may apply for, accept, and spend any gift or grant for the benefit or use of the Department from the federal government, any State unit, any foundation, or any other person.</text> </level> </level> </section>