reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 2 - Pensions; Group Insurance › Section 12-209 - Group Insurance Program Offered to County Commissioners

(a)    This section applies only to Carroll County.
(b)    Notwithstanding any other law, the Board of County Commissioners may not establish:
(1)    a group insurance program to be offered to the county commissioners, in any year, that offers different benefits or a different county subsidy allowance than the group insurance program offered to full–time county employees for that year; or
(2)    a defined benefit or defined contribution pension plan to be offered to the county commissioners that is separate from a defined benefit or defined contribution pension plan offered to full–time county employees.
(c)    A county commissioner:
(1)    each year may participate in the group insurance program offered to full–time county employees, and may receive the same county subsidy allowed to full–time county employees for that year; and
(2)    each year may participate in a defined benefit or defined contribution pension plan offered to full–time county employees, but is not eligible for any employer matching contribution.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 3 - Contracts and Competitive Bidding › Section 12-301 - In General

(a)    This section applies only to commission counties.
(b)    The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted under this section.
(c)    The county commissioners shall:
(1)    establish a competitive bidding process for awarding contracts for services or the purchase of supplies if the contract exceeds $15,000;
(2)    require a bond in connection with a contract, regardless of the amount; and
(3)    if no bids are submitted in response to a request for bids, obtain the services or supplies in a manner that the county commissioners consider appropriate.
(d)    In Somerset County, subsection (c) of this section does not apply to a contract solely for design or consultation services.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 3 - Contracts and Competitive Bidding › Section 12-302 - Procurement Contracts in Garrett County

(a)    In this section, “government organization” includes:
(1)    a county;
(2)    a board of education;
(3)    a municipality; or
(4)    a government cooperative purchasing organization.
(b)    The County Commissioners of Garrett County may purchase goods and services through a contract entered into by a vendor and a government organization that does not participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement in which Garrett County is a member.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 3 - Contracts and Competitive Bidding › Section 12-303 - Requirements for Contracts for Services

(a)    This section applies only to commission counties.
(b)    When awarding a contract for services, the county commissioners of a county shall:
(1)    enter into a written contract; and
(2)    require the contractor to provide a performance bond for security in accordance with the terms and specifications of the contract.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 4 - Property Acquisition and Transfer › Section 12-401 - In General

(a)    This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)    Except as provided in §§ 12–404, 12–405, 12–406, 12–408, 12–409, 12–410, and 12–411 of this subtitle, the governing body of a county may:
(1)    acquire, by lease, purchase, gift, devise, bequest, condemnation, or any other method, an interest in any property that is needed for a public purpose;
(2)    construct buildings on the property for the benefit of the county;
(3)    sell surplus property at public sale, after advertising the sale for at least 20 days; or
(4)    (i)    provide wholly or partly for the financing of housing or a housing project; and
(ii)    place a deed of trust, mortgage, or other instrument on the financed property to ensure repayment of money used to purchase, construct, rehabilitate, or develop the housing or housing project.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 4 - Property Acquisition and Transfer › Section 12-403 - Special Provisions -- Caroline County

(a)    The County Commissioners of Caroline County may:
(1)    purchase or lease personal property under a multiyear contract that requires the county commissioners to make installment or rental payments during 2 or more fiscal years;
(2)    pay interest as part of any installment or rental payments in accordance with the terms of the contract; and
(3)    pledge and assign the personal property purchased or leased to secure the obligation.
(b)    (1)    The County Commissioners of Caroline County may enter into a contract under subsection (a) of this section only if:
(i)    the county commissioners have appropriated money sufficient to pay the amount due under the contract during the first fiscal year in which the contract is effective;
(ii)    subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the contract authorizes the county commissioners to terminate the contract if money sufficient to pay the amount due under the contract for any fiscal year is not appropriated;
(iii)    the contract provides that, except if the county commissioners default in payment under the contract, an obligation for payment under the contract is limited to money appropriated for contract payment for that fiscal year; and
(iv)    the contract provides that, if the county commissioners default in payment under the contract, the obligation for payment is limited to:
1.    money appropriated for contract payments for that fiscal year;
2.    any money realized from the personal property purchased or leased under the contract; and
3.    any other money legally available for contract payment.
(2)    The contract may provide that a contract termination is ineffective if the county commissioners purchase or lease personal property similar or functionally related to the property purchased or leased under the contract within a specified period of time.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 4 - Property Acquisition and Transfer › Section 12-404 - Special Provisions -- Carroll County

(a)    Except for the procurement of an option to purchase real property, the County Commissioners of Carroll County or a public agency of the county may not take final action to purchase real property unless:
(1)    the action is taken at a public meeting; and
(2)    if the consideration for the property is $7,000 or more, the county commissioners or public agency have given public notice of the intent to purchase the real property at least 15 calendar days before the meeting.
(b)    (1)    The County Commissioners of Carroll County may:
(i)    transfer without public sale an interest in surplus county real property to another government unit in the county under terms and conditions and for consideration, if any, as determined by the county commissioners; and
(ii)    execute and acknowledge any instruments necessary to transfer the property.
(2)    The county commissioners shall obtain three independent appraisals before selling surplus school board real property under this subsection.
(c)    (1)    If the County Commissioners of Carroll County determine at a public sale of surplus county property that the highest bid is not reasonable, the county commissioners may reject all bids on the property.
(2)    If the county commissioners reject all bids under this subsection, the county commissioners:
(i)    shall record the highest bid in the minutes; and
(ii)    may privately negotiate and sell the surplus property for a higher price if:
1.    the settlement of the property sale is within 1 year after the date of the initial public sale; and
2.    the county commissioners announce the privately negotiated agreement at the first meeting after reaching the agreement.
(3)    The county commissioners shall adopt regulations to implement this subsection.
(d)    The County Commissioners of Carroll County may dispose of surplus county personal property with a value of less than $250 by:
(1)    public auction;
(2)    public sale that is advertised by public notice in a media that is accessible to the general public;
(3)    transfer to a unit of a county, a municipality, or the State;
(4)    transfer to a private nonprofit corporation that is tax exempt under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and authorized to receive appropriations from the county;
(5)    deposit at the swap shop at the Northern Landfill; or
(6)    disposal in a solid waste disposal facility.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 4 - Property Acquisition and Transfer › Section 12-405 - Special Provisions -- Cecil County

(a)    (1)    Notwithstanding any other provision of State law, when negotiating to purchase real property, the governing body of Cecil County, a unit of the county, or the Cecil County Board of Education first shall acquire an option on the property.
(2)    An option acquired under this subsection shall be:
(i)    acquired for consideration not exceeding $100; and
(ii)    for the purchase of property at a fixed price within an agreed period of time not exceeding 6 months.
(3)    An option may not be disclosed to the public until the option is signed by both parties.
(4)    After an option has been signed by both parties, the governing body, unit of the county, or county board of education shall publish notice of the option once each week for 2 successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
(5)    (i)    A notice published under this subsection shall specify:
1.    the name of the optioner and optionee;
2.    the length of the option;
3.    the proposed purchase price for the property; and
4.    the date, time, and place for the public hearing on the option.
(ii)    The governing body, unit of the county, or county board of education shall set a date for the hearing that is between 7 and 30 days, inclusive, after the date on which the final notice is published.
(6)    The governing body, unit of the county, or county board of education shall allow any person to testify at a public hearing on an option.
(7)    After the public hearing, the governing body, unit of the county, or county board of education:
(i)    shall exercise the option as soon as legally allowed, if the governing body, unit of the county, or county board of education determines that the option is necessary or desirable; or
(ii)    may not exercise the option, if the governing body, unit of the county, or county board of education determines that the option is not necessary or desirable.
(b)    (1)    The governing body of Cecil County may:
(i)    sell by public or private sale or lease surplus county real property; and
(ii)    execute and acknowledge any instrument necessary to transfer the property.
(2)    Before the governing body may contract to transfer an interest in county real property, the governing body shall:
(i)    hold a public hearing between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.; and
(ii)    advertise the public hearing at least 2 weeks before the day of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 4 - Property Acquisition and Transfer › Section 12-409 - Special Provisions -- Garrett County

(a)    (1)    The County Commissioners of Garrett County may:
(i)    purchase or lease personal property under a multiyear contract that requires the county commissioners to make installment or rental payments during 2 or more fiscal years;
(ii)    pay interest as part of any installment or rental payments in accordance with the terms of the contract; and
(iii)    pledge and assign the personal property purchased or leased to secure the obligation.
(2)    (i)    The county commissioners may enter into a contract under paragraph (1) of this subsection only if:
1.    the county commissioners have appropriated money sufficient to pay the amount due under the contract during the first fiscal year in which the contract is effective;
2.    subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the contract authorizes the county commissioners to terminate the contract if money sufficient to pay the amount due under the contract for any fiscal year is not appropriated;
3.    the contract provides that, except if the county commissioners default in payment under the contract, an obligation for payment under the contract is limited to money appropriated for contract payment for that fiscal year; and
4.    the contract provides that, if the county commissioners default in payment under the contract, the obligation for payment is limited to:
A.    money appropriated for contract payments for that fiscal year;
B.    any money realized from the personal property purchased or leased under the contract; and
C.    any other money legally available for contract payment.
(ii)    The contract may provide that a contract termination is ineffective if the county commissioners purchase or lease personal property similar or functionally related to the property purchased or leased under the contract within a specified period of time.
(b)    The County Commissioners of Garrett County may dispose of surplus county personal property by:
(1)    public auction;
(2)    public sale;
(3)    a trade–in for new or used equipment;
(4)    recycling; or
(5)    disposal in the Garrett County landfill.
(c)    (1)    In Garrett County, if a public sale of surplus real property does not yield a bid for the property, the County Commissioners of Garrett County:
(i)    shall record in their minutes that no bids were made;
(ii)    may sell the surplus property by private sale for a reasonable price; and
(iii)    shall announce the sale agreement at the first meeting after making the agreement.
(2)    The county commissioners shall adopt regulations to implement this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 4 - Property Acquisition and Transfer › Section 12-410 - Special Provisions -- St. Mary's County

(a)    The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may sell to a government unit located in the county surplus school board real property:
(1)    without advertising the property for sale; and
(2)    after obtaining three independent appraisals.
(b)    The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may sell surplus county real property at a public or private sale if, subject to county procedures, the county commissioners hold a hearing on the sale and provide adequate notice of the hearing.
(c)    (1)    By resolution, the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may transfer surplus real property in the county to a private nonprofit corporation in the county or to the Housing Authority of St. Mary’s County with or without consideration, if the county commissioners:
(i)    hold a public hearing;
(ii)    at the hearing, solicit and accept comments concerning the transfer; and
(iii)    at the hearing, consider issues related to the transfer that include:
1.    compatibility of the proposed use with the neighborhood;
2.    financial issues, including the ability of the proposed transferee to construct, renovate, maintain, and operate a facility on the property;
3.    the historical significance of the property; and
4.    unique characteristics of any structure on the property.
(2)    The notice of the public hearing shall:
(i)    be published at least once each week for 2 successive weeks, with the last notice advertised at least 7 days before the date of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the county; and
(ii)    include an appraisal of the property obtained by the county commissioners.
(3)    The county commissioners shall adopt regulations to implement this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 4 - Property Acquisition and Transfer › Section 12-411 - Special Provisions -- Somerset County

(a)    (1)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the County Commissioners of Somerset County may enter into a lease purchase agreement and related financing agreements to obtain property for a public purpose in the county.
(2)    The county commissioners shall solicit bids in at least two newspapers of general circulation in the county before entering into a lease purchase agreement.
(3)    If the county commissioners enter into a multiyear lease purchase agreement or related financing agreement, the agreement shall be subject to cancellation by the county commissioners at the end of a fiscal year if sufficient money is not appropriated to fund the agreement in the subsequent fiscal year.
(b)    (1)    The County Commissioners of Somerset County may sell any interest in county surplus property by soliciting and accepting sealed bids.
(2)    The county commissioners shall publish an invitation for bids at least twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county between 10 and 90 days, inclusive, before the date set for opening bids.
(3)    The county commissioners:
(i)    shall open the bids in public; and
(ii)    may act on the bids only during a public session of the county commissioners.
(4)    The county commissioners may reject all bids on the property if the county commissioners determine that the highest bid does not yield a reasonable price.
(5)    If the county commissioners reject all bids, the county commissioners:
(i)    shall record the highest bid in the minutes of the public session; and
(ii)    may sell the property:
1.    by republishing an invitation for sealed bids;
2.    by public auction; or
3.    if the property is surplus school property, in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(6)    The county commissioners shall adopt an ordinance or resolution to govern the sale of property under this subsection.
(c)    The County Commissioners of Somerset County may sell to a government unit located in the county surplus school board real property:
(1)    without advertising the property for sale; and
(2)    after obtaining three independent appraisals.
(d)    (1)    The provisions of this subtitle do not apply to a sale of property under this subsection.
(2)    The County Commissioners of Somerset County may sell the approximately 4.02 acres of property at county Tax Map 103, Grid 8, Parcel 1467 (known as Whittington Elementary School) to Shore Up Inc., under terms considered appropriate by the county commissioners.
(3)    The county commissioners may sell the following property to the City of Crisfield under terms considered appropriate by the county commissioners:
(i)    7 North First Street, Tax Map 101, Grid 22, Parcel 757 (.073 acres);
(ii)    320–322 Locust Street, Tax Map 101, Grid 21, Parcel 810 (.158 acres);
(iii)    304 Tyler Street, Tax Map 102, Grid 11, Parcel 616 (.146 acres); and
(iv)    15 West Main Street, Tax Map 103, Grid 1, Parcel 1373 (.386 acres).
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 4 - Property Acquisition and Transfer › Section 12-412 - Special Provisions -- Washington County

(a)    The County Commissioners of Washington County may acquire property or any interest in property by purchase, gift, or condemnation to acquire, construct, or maintain a railroad line, if the county commissioners:
(1)    determine, by resolution, that the railroad line will help preserve and attract industry and promote economic growth in the county; and
(2)    solicit bids and hold a public hearing in the same manner as required for other public property in the county.
(b)    (1)    If the State builds or acquires a railroad line in Washington County, the County Commissioners of Washington County may contribute a reasonable amount toward the cost of the railroad line from the general funds of the county.
(2)    Before the county commissioners spend money under this subsection, the county commissioners shall comply with the requirements for acquisition of property for a railroad under subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part I - Public Roads Generally › Section 12-503 - Powers of Counties Over County Roads

(a)    This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)    The governing body of a county has control over county roads.
(c)    The governing body of a county may appoint:
(1)    road supervisors; and
(2)    civil engineers to oversee the grading, construction, and repair of county roads.
(d)    A civil engineer appointed in accordance with subsection (c) of this section shall:
(1)    hold office for a term, with a salary, under a bond, and subject to regulations of the governing body calculated to secure competent officers and a faithful discharge of duty; and
(2)    direct and manage the grading, construction, and repair of county roads.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part I - Public Roads Generally › Section 12-504 - Control of Roads, Parking, and Sidewalks

(a)    This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)    This section does not apply to a public road in a municipality.
(c)    The governing body of a county:
(1)    may open, alter, or close a county road;
(2)    has control over and may adopt rules and regulations for work on county roads; and
(3)    may pay the cost of work on county roads.
(d)    (1)    The governing body of a county may regulate, by resolution:
(i)    vehicle parking on county roads; and
(ii)    the construction, maintenance, repair, and cleaning of sidewalks.
(2)    A county shall provide for public notice of the regulations on vehicle parking.
(e)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates a resolution adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.
(2)    In Calvert County, a person who violates a resolution adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part I - Public Roads Generally › Section 12-505 - Highway Fund Expenditures for Projects in Municipalities

(a)    This section applies to all counties except Baltimore City.
(b)    After adopting a resolution stating that a county responsibility or purpose will be served, a governing body of a county may pay, from any highway funds under its control, for a highway project in a municipality.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part I - Public Roads Generally › Section 12-506 - Grading, Paving, Curbing, and Repairing Roads and Sidewalks

(a)    This section applies to all counties except:
(1)    Anne Arundel County;
(2)    Baltimore City;
(3)    Baltimore County;
(4)    Cecil County;
(5)    Charles County;
(6)    Howard County;
(7)    Prince George’s County;
(8)    Queen Anne’s County; and
(9)    Worcester County.
(b)    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.
(c)    The governing body of a county may:
(1)    provide for building, maintaining, or repairing any road or sidewalk condemned, ceded, opened, widened, extended, or straightened as public property;
(2)    pay for the cost to build, maintain, or repair a road or sidewalk by imposing a tax on the assessable base of the county or from the county’s share of the State motor fuel tax;
(3)    establish the office of county roads engineer; and
(4)    establish the powers and duties of the county roads engineer.
(d)    The County Commissioners of Somerset County may maintain, repair, or reconstruct any private road that has been used by the public for at least 20 years.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part I - Public Roads Generally › Section 12-507 - Directional Signs

(a)    This section applies to all counties.
(b)    (1)    The governing body of a county shall erect and maintain a sign at each intersection of a county road with a State road or state–aid road that shall:
(i)    contain, in letters at least 3 inches in height, the name of the principal place or places to which the county road leads and the distance to the place or places from the intersection of the county road and the State road or state–aid road; and
(ii)    be securely fastened on a substantial post firmly placed in the ground.
(2)    In a county where the jurisdiction over the county roads is vested by law in a board or other official, the duties of this section shall be the duties of the board or other official.
(c)    A person who defaces, damages, or destroys a sign erected or maintained under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 10 days and not exceeding 30 days or a fine for each offense not exceeding $50 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part I - Public Roads Generally › Section 12-508 - Fire Hydrants

(a)    This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)    This section does not apply to fire hydrants in a municipality.
(c)    The governing body of a county may, by resolution, regulate the location and construction of fire hydrants.
(d)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates a resolution adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.
(2)    In Calvert County, a person who violates a resolution adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part II - Procedures for Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads › Section 12-512 - Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads by Petition

(a)    A resident of the county may request, by petition, that the governing body of a county open, alter, or close a road.
(b)    A resident who intends to submit a petition under this section shall give at least 30 days’ notice by publication once a week for 3 successive weeks in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county.
(c)    (1)    In response to a petition filed under this section, a resident may submit a counter petition to the governing body of the county.
(2)    The governing body shall consider the counter petition, and any other testimony presented, when deciding whether to approve the petition to open, alter, or close a road.
(d)    The governing body of a county may open, alter, or close any county road under this subtitle on its own initiative if:
(1)    at least 30 days’ notice is given by publication once a week for 3 successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county; and
(2)    a hearing is held to consider any objection or counter petition.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part II - Procedures for Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads › Section 12-513 - Rights-of-Way

(a)    The governing body of a county may contract with a property owner for a right–of–way over land that is necessary for:
(1)    the opening or altering of a road;
(2)    a public wharf;
(3)    drains for county roads; or
(4)    other public uses.
(b)    When the governing body of a county contracts for a right–of–way for a road under subsection (a) of this section, the governing body shall:
(1)    have a licensed surveyor make a plat of the road;
(2)    record the plat in the office of the clerk of the circuit court for the county in which the deed conveying the property is required to be recorded; and
(3)    incorporate the plat into the deed conveying the property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part II - Procedures for Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads › Section 12-514 - Examiners

(a)    If the governing body of a county decides to open, alter, or close a road, the governing body may appoint three examiners to view the property through which the road is intended to run.
(b)    (1)    An examiner:
(i)    shall own real property in the county; but
(ii)    may not have an interest in any property through which the road is proposed to be opened, altered, or closed.
(2)    (i)    An examiner shall take an oath to faithfully and impartially execute the commission of examiner.
(ii)    The oath shall be endorsed on the commission, which shall be returned to the examiner.
(c)    The appointment of examiners does not preclude the governing body of the county from contracting with a property owner as provided in § 12–513 of this subtitle.
(d)    (1)    The examiners shall give 30 days’ notice of their intent to examine the property by publication once a week for 3 successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
(2)    After expiration of the 30 days’ period, at least two of the examiners shall examine the property and determine whether the public convenience requires that the road be opened, altered, or closed.
(e)    If a petition is submitted to open or alter a road, the examiners shall locate the road so that the public convenience is best promoted.
(f)    The examiners shall submit to the governing body of the county:
(1)    a plat showing:
(i)    the proposed new or altered road; and
(ii)    for a petition to alter or close a road, the old road; and
(2)    a report detailing:
(i)    the examiners’ proceedings;
(ii)    the findings of the examiners regarding the proposal to open, alter, or close a road;
(iii)    if the examiners recommend not opening, altering, or closing the road, the reasons for the recommendation; and
(iv)    a determination of the cost of any damages under § 12–515 of this subtitle.
(g)    (1)    Each examiner is entitled to compensation not to exceed $2 per day, as determined by the governing body of the county, for the examiner’s services.
(2)    The governing body shall determine whether the compensation of the examiners and all costs arising from the survey, attendance of witnesses, or other expenses shall be:
(i)    paid by the petitioner;
(ii)    paid by the county; or
(iii)    apportioned between the petitioner and the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part II - Procedures for Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads › Section 12-515 - Damages

(a)    Taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of opening or altering a road, at least two of the examiners shall determine the cost of damages that may be sustained by a person through whose property an opened or altered road may pass.
(b)    The governing body of the county may ratify, reject, or alter the determination of the cost of damages under subsection (a) of this section.
(c)    (1)    The governing body of the county shall determine whether the damages shall be:
(i)    paid by the petitioner;
(ii)    paid by the county; or
(iii)    apportioned between the petitioner and the county.
(2)    Before the road may be opened, any damages owed shall be paid to the respective property owner, or to the respective property owner’s guardian, agent, or attorney.
(3)    If a property owner dies after the examiners have determined the cost of damages, the damages shall be paid to the property owner’s personal representative.
(d)    (1)    Subject to a determination under subsection (c)(1) of this section, signing a petition for opening, altering, or closing of a road does not make the petitioner liable for the payment of any part of the damages determined by the governing body of the county.
(2)    The governing body may hold a petitioner liable for the costs incurred by a person defending against the petition if the case is decided in favor of the person defending against the petition.
(3)    If the governing body does not order the opening, altering, or closing of a road as requested in a petition, the petitioner shall be liable for all costs incurred by any person as a result of any proceeding relating to the petition under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part II - Procedures for Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads › Section 12-516 - Action by Governing Body of County

At the first meeting of the governing body of a county following the meeting at which the examiners submit their report on the proposed opening, altering, or closing of a road, if no objection is made on the report, the governing body may:
(1)    affirm, reject, or amend a finding or determination of the examiners; or
(2)    continue the proceeding over to the next meeting of the governing body and to successive meetings.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part II - Procedures for Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads › Section 12-517 - Drains Outside Limits of Road

If a county road cannot be conveniently drained by drains along the road, to make drains on the property outside the road, the governing body of a county may:
(1)    contract for a right–of–way on the property as authorized under § 12–513 of this subtitle; or
(2)    acquire the necessary property through condemnation under Title 12 of the Real Property Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part II - Procedures for Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads › Section 12-518 - Condemnation Power of Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties

(a)    This section applies only to:
(1)    Allegany County;
(2)    Garrett County; and
(3)    Washington County.
(b)    For the purpose of building a new road, improving or widening an existing road, or draining a road, the county commissioners may acquire the necessary property through condemnation under Title 12 of the Real Property Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part II - Procedures for Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads › Section 12-519 - Prohibited Locations of Opened or Altered Roads

(a)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    Allegany County;
(2)    Baltimore County;
(3)    Montgomery County;
(4)    Washington County; or
(5)    Wicomico County.
(b)    A road may not be opened or altered to pass through the buildings, gardens, yards, or burial grounds of any person without the written consent of the owner of the property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part II - Procedures for Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads › Section 12-520 - Width of Roads; Roads Opened to Public

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a road opened under this subtitle shall be at least 30 feet wide.
(2)    A road opened under this subtitle is a public road.
(b)    If the County Commissioners of Somerset County determine that the difficulty or cost of building a road to the width of 30 feet is excessive, the county may build portions of roads that are less than 30 feet wide in:
(1)    the Smith’s Island district; and
(2)    the Fairmount district on the road leading from the main county highway to the village of Rumbley.
(c)    (1)    The governing body of Anne Arundel County may take over and maintain as a public road any alley or road in the county that is at least 20 feet wide if the road or alley was open or dedicated for use as a road or alley before June 1, 1943.
(2)    (i)    Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the governing body may take over and maintain as a public road any alley in the county that is at least 10 feet wide and is in a subdivision platted before July 1, 1953.
(ii)    If an alley described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph does not satisfy the standards and requirements of the State Highway Administration for the purpose of receiving a share of highway user revenues, the expense of taking over and maintaining the alley shall be paid by a special tax imposed on the property owners in the affected subdivision.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part II - Procedures for Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads › Section 12-521 - Imposition of Taxes

If the governing body of a county decides to open or alter a road, the governing body shall:
(1)    at the usual time for imposing taxes, impose a tax on the assessable property of the county in an amount sufficient to open or alter the road and pay any damages awarded and owed by the county; and
(2)    open or alter the road as soon as it can be done conveniently.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part II - Procedures for Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads › Section 12-522 - Roads Presumed Closed in Frederick County

If any road in Frederick County has not been maintained for a period of 20 years before July 1, 1973, it shall be conclusively presumed that the road was closed in accordance with this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part II - Procedures for Opening, Altering, or Closing Roads › Section 12-523 - Authority for Allegany County

The County Commissioners of Allegany County may open or close, or both, any alleys or streets in the county where the purpose of opening the alleys or streets is to give the county commissioners jurisdiction to close the alleys or streets at some later time.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-527 - Size and Weight of Vehicles in Selected Counties

(a)    This section applies only to:
(1)    Allegany County;
(2)    Baltimore County;
(3)    Calvert County;
(4)    Carroll County;
(5)    Cecil County;
(6)    Frederick County;
(7)    Garrett County;
(8)    Harford County;
(9)    Howard County;
(10)    Montgomery County;
(11)    Prince George’s County;
(12)    St. Mary’s County; and
(13)    Washington County.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the governing body of a county may adopt and enforce rules and regulations relating to the maximum size and weight of motor vehicles that may be operated on county roads.
(2)    The governing body of a county may not set the maximum weight under paragraph (1) of this subsection at a weight greater than the maximum allowed by the public general laws of the State.
(3)    Rules and regulations adopted under this subsection shall:
(i)    have a reasonable relationship to the construction, use, and character of the road; and
(ii)    be designed to assure the continued safety and good condition of the road.
(c)    A person who violates a rule or regulation adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-528 - Maintenance of Private Roads by Selected Counties

(a)    This section applies only to:
(1)    Somerset County;
(2)    Wicomico County; and
(3)    Worcester County.
(b)    (1)    Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the governing body of a county may contract with the owner of a private road in the county for the county to take over and maintain the private road if the owner pays an annual maintenance charge to the county to cover the maintenance expenses of the county for the private road.
(2)    The governing body may provide that the maintenance charge imposed under this section is a lien on the property affected and shall be collected in the same manner as county real property taxes.
(c)    The County Council of Wicomico County may not enter into a contract in accordance with this section unless the contract concerns a private road on which there are at least three dwelling houses.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-530 - Regulation of Grading, Building, Improving, Maintaining, and Repairing of Roads in Calvert County

(a)    This section does not apply to a privately owned road in Calvert County that was constructed on or before September 30, 2011.
(b)    By ordinance, the County Commissioners of Calvert County may:
(1)    regulate the grading, constructing, improving, maintaining, and repairing of county roads and new roads intended for future public use, including roads proposed for any subdivision approved by the Calvert County Planning Commission, whether recorded or proposed, including sidewalks, curbs, gutters, driveway entrances, storm drainage facilities, and appurtenances to be located in the subdivision;
(2)    establish standards for utility cuts in and across county rights–of–way;
(3)    regulate access to county–owned roads;
(4)    establish minimum standards to which a new road in a subdivision in Calvert County must be constructed before the issuance of a building permit for a lot served by the road;
(5)    regulate the engineering and constructing of any new public road, bridge, sidewalk, curb, gutter, and storm drainage facility proposed for acceptance into the county roads system;
(6)    regulate the acceptance of any new public road, bridge, sidewalk, curb, gutter, and storm drainage facility into the county roads system;
(7)    establish fees to defray the cost of reviewing plans and performing inspections for the construction of roads and for utility cuts in accordance with an ordinance enacted under this section; and
(8)    provide for a civil penalty for violation of an ordinance enacted under this section.
(c)    A violation of an ordinance enacted under this section shall be enforced in the same manner and to the same extent as provided for municipal infractions under §§ 6–108 through 6–115 of this article.
(d)    In addition to any remedies provided for under an ordinance enacted under this section, the County Commissioners of Calvert County may seek other remedies provided by law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-531 - Regulation of Roads in Carroll County

(a)    The County Commissioners of Carroll County may regulate any county road that is not in a municipality and that has not been designated or maintained as a part of the State or federal highway system relating to:
(1)    vehicle weight;
(2)    vehicle parking;
(3)    vehicle abandonment;
(4)    building or maintenance by a private or public utility necessary for the performance of the utility’s purpose;
(5)    construction and maintenance of driveway connections where connections are provided; and
(6)    vehicle speed, but only if the speed regulation has been recommended by the Department of State Police.
(b)    To indicate and carry out rules and regulations adopted under subsection (a)(1), (2), and (6) of this section, the County Commissioners of Carroll County shall provide appropriate traffic control devices that conform to State specifications.
(c)    For a new road or drainage system, the County Commissioners of Carroll County may adopt rules and regulations relating to:
(1)    engineering;
(2)    construction; and
(3)    acceptance of the road or drainage system into the county roads system for maintenance by the county.
(d)    (1)    By local law, the County Commissioners of Carroll County may establish that a person who violates a rule or regulation adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $25, exclusive of costs.
(2)    A penalty provision of another public general law prevails over a fine authorized under this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Local Government › Division III - Counties › Title 12 - Other Powers of Counties -- Generally › Subtitle 5 - Public Roads › Part III - Specific County Provisions › Section 12-532 - Building and Repairing Roads in Cecil County

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, Cecil County shall obtain the following by competitively bid contract awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder:
(1)    the building or repair of a road; and
(2)    the purchase or lease of road or construction equipment or machinery.
(b)    (1)    The governing body of Cecil County shall advertise for bids on a contract under subsection (a) of this section in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county.
(2)    The advertisement shall:
(i)    appear at least once;
(ii)    appear at least 1 week, but not more than 30 days, before the final date for submitting bids;
(iii)    if the contract relates to building or repairing a road, set forth the place where the road is to be built or repaired;
(iv)    include a description of the goods or services required under the contract;
(v)    state that sealed bids for goods or services will be received until the date designated in the advertisement; and
(vi)    designate a date for the opening of the bids.
(c)    (1)    Subsections (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to an expenditure that:
(i)    is $10,000 or less; or
(ii)    the governing body of Cecil County by a recorded majority vote taken at a public meeting declares to be an emergency expenditure.
(2)    For an expenditure under this subsection, the governing body may determine:
(i)    the manner of providing for the expenditure; and
(ii)    if the building or repair is by contract, the manner in which the contract is awarded.
(d)    (1)    A contract entered into in violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section is void, unless:
(i)    a court determines in a judicial action that all parties acted in good faith; and
(ii)    the parties have substantially complied with the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
(2)    If a contract is void under this subsection, the governing body of Cecil County shall compensate the contractor for costs actually incurred if the contractor:
(i)    acted in good faith;
(ii)    did not directly contribute to the violation; and
(iii)    did not know of the violation.
(e)    A person who willfully violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.