Town Code & Ordinances Code — Charter-of-the-Town-of-Queenstown-11-2019

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CHARTER
OF THE
Town of
Queenstown
ANNE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND
QUEEN
of
As found in the Public Local Laws
Anne's County, 1974 Edition, as amended
Queen
(Reprinted November 20L9)

Charter of the Town of Queenstown 121 - iii
CONTEI{TS
Section
l9-1.
Incorporated; generalpowers.
l9-2.
Coroorate limits.
The Commission
l9-3.
Number;selection;term.
194.
Qualifications.
l9-5.
Salary.
19-6.
Meetings;President.
l9-7.
Judge of qualifications of members.
l9-8.
Quorum.
l9-9.
Procedures.
Powers
19-10.
Powers.
l9-11.
Exercise of powers.
19-12.
Enforcement of ordinances.
19-13.
File of ordinances.
Registration, Nominations and Elections
19-14.
Voters.
19-15.
Electionduties.
19-16.
Notice.
19-17,
Registration of voters.
19-18.
Appeals.
19-19.
Nominations.
l9-19.1. Write-In Candidates.
19-20.
Election of Commissioners.
19-21.
Conduct of Elections.
l9-2I.1.
Absentee Voting.
19-21.2. Cancellation of Election Where Seat is Uncontested.
19-22.
Special elections.
19-23.
Vote count.
19-23.1. General Election Which Results in a Tie Amons Two or More Candidates.
19-24.
Preservation of ballots.
19-25.
Vacancies.
19-2.6.
Women.
19-27.
Regulation of elections.
19-28.
Penaltyprovisions.
(revised 11/19)

l2l - iv Municipal Charters of Maryland
Finance
19-29.
Clerk-Treasurer.
19-30.
Same; powers and duties.
19-31.
Same; surety bond.
19-32.
Fiscal year.
l9-33.
Budget.
19-34.
Same;adoption.
19-35.
Appropriations.
19-36.
Transferoffunds.
19-37.
Over-expenditures.
l9-38.
Appropriationslapse.
19-39,
Checks.
l9-40.
Budget authorizes levy.
194I.
Notice of levy.
1942.
Taxes; when overdue.
1943.
Same;collection.
1944.
Fees.
1945.
Audits.
1946.
Borrowing power.
1947.
Same; payment of indebtedness.
1948.
Same; prior bond issued.
1949.
Purchases and contracts.
Personnel
l9-50.
Clerk to the Commission.
19-51.
Town attorney.
19-52.
Employment of personnel.
19-53.
Retirement system.
19-54.
Employees;compensation.
19-55.
Same; benefit programs.
Public Ways and Sidewalks
19-56.
Definition.
19-57.
Control.
19-58.
Powers.
19-59.
Sidewalks.
Water and Sewers
19-60.
Powers.
19-61.
Structures in public ways.
19-62.
Obstructions.
19-63.
Entering county public ways.
(revised l1/19)

l2l-v
Charter of the Town of Queenstown
19-64.
Connections.
19-65.
Same; charges.
19-66.
Improper uses of systems.
19-67.
Privatesystems.
19-68.
Extensionsbeyondboundaries.
19-69.
Right of entry.
19-70.
Pollution of water supply.
l9-71.
Contracts for water or sewage removal.
19-72.
Charges and service rates.
Special Assessments
19-73.
Powers.
l9-74.
Procedure.
Town Property
l9-75.
Acquisition;possession;disposal.
l9-76.
Condemnationpowers.
19-77.
Town buildings.
19-78.
Protection of town property.
l9-78A. Historical Fund.
General Provisions
19-79.
Oath of office.
l9-80.
Surety bonds.
.
19-81 Prior rights and obligations.
19-82.
Misdemeanors.
l9-83.
Effect of charter on existing ordinances.
19-84.
Separability.
(revised I1/19)

MUNICIPAL CHARTER OF QL]EENSI'OWN
(See note (1 ))
.
Section l !)- I lncorporated: general porvers.
The inhabitants of the Tor.rt of Queenstou,n u'ithin the corporate limits Iegalll,'established
tr"om time to time are herelry" constituted and oontinued as a body,' corporate b1,' the name of The
Torvn Commissioners of Queenstorvn u'ith all the privileges of a body.'corporate. b,v that name to
sue and be sued, to plead and be irnpleaded in an1,'cor;ff of law or equity,'. to have and use a comfiton
seal and to have perpetr.ral succession. unless the charer and the corporate existence are legally'
abrogated. (Res., March 2S- 1967. sec. l.)
l9-2.
Section Cclrporate limits: l97l annexation.
(a)
Boundaries. The corporate limits or boundaries of the Toun oiQueenstorvn shall
be as described on a;rlat theleof to be rccorded in the ottoe of the Clerk of the Circ,uit Couft for
Queen Anne's Countl."arrd shall include all of the territory rvithin the {bllorving lirnits:
Beginning at a point nrarked by' a concrete monunrent. said point being on the lands of
Helen Burgess and Queenstorvn Creek at a distance of 300 l'eet. more or less. North of Queenstorvn
Landing Road and thence South 5l'37" 40"'East a distance of 2,-100 feet, more or less. passing
through concrete monurnent at the Northeast c'olner o{'the lands o{'rhe Queenstorryn Volunteer Fire
Companr'. to the center of N4ar1'land Route No. I8. thence South 17" 18' 30" East 1.130.65 l'eet tcr
the center of U.S. Route 301 (at Station 9A7 + 59.48) and thence continuing the same course a
distance of 590.90 feet to a concrete monument. thenc'e South 55o 30' I 0" East" | "337 .27 l'eet to a
point in the Wy'e River. thence South 34" 29' 50" \\,'est (passing through the center of the Wy,e
River bridge) a distance of 447.07 feet to a concrete monument, thence North 55'30' 10" West
1.337.27 feet to a concrete monument on the Southeast line ol'lands ol'the heirs of William
Sfreppard, thence North 63" 58' 50" West. | -208.7 | lbet to a concrete monument on the West side
of U.S. Route 30l.thence South 66' l6' West450.53 t-eetto a concrete monument, tlrence South
64" 17'50" West. 1.640.35 {'eettclaconcreternclnument,thenceNonh 27o 10'20" \\rest.217.71
{be1 to a concrete monurnent. thence North 58" 49' 50" West. 300 feet to a concrete monumenl.
l'
thence Noruh 3 10" 10" East, 1.300 feet, more or less. to the r.r'aters of Queenstown Creek, thence
with the lvaters of Queenstorvn Creek nreandering north to the point of beginning.
(b)
Conditions for l97l annexation. Conditions and circumstances applicable to the
change in said corporate boundaries arid to the residents o{'propefty in the area to be annexed are.
as follorvs:
'l'hat
the persons residing in the areas to be annexed and the or.vners ol'all prclpeny therein
shall be generalll.' subject to the provisions of the Charler of the Tou'n of Queenstown. without
special treatnent as to rates of the municipal tax. or as to municipal sen,ices and fbc,ilities, except
that tlrey r.vill no1 be subject to real estale taxes levied l'crr the fiscal year, .Iuly I " 197A" to June 30,
1971, by"the Tou,n of Queenstou.n. (See note (2)) (Res.. March 28,1967, sec. 2; Res.,,lune 1,
l97 r .)
Charter of the Torvn of'Queenstorvn
Republished Decernbe r. 2017

MUNICIPAL CHARTER OF QLIEENSTOWN
The Clommission
All Iegislati\i e powers cl'the torvn shall be vested in a Comrnission (sometimes hereinafter
referred to as torvn) consisting of three (3) Commissioners r.vho shall be elected as hereinafter
provided and u,'ho shall hold otfices for a term of three (3) years or until the succ,eeding
Commissiorrer takes clffice. The regr.rlar tenn ol'Commissioner shall expire on the fburth Mondal,'
in IVa1,'follorning tl're election and qualification of a successor. Commissioners holding office at
the tirne of this charter becomes effective shall continue to hold otfice for the term for rvhich they'
rvere elected and until the succeeding Commissioners take offlce under the provisions of this
charter. (Res., I\4arch 28.1967. sec. 3.)
l9-4.
Section Ouali{lcations.
(l)
Candidates for the office of Commissioner must nraintain their primary residence in
Queenslown at least one hundred eight,v (180) da1,'s inimediately' preceding their election and must
be a qualified voter of the tor.vn during that same tirne period.
(2)
Upon election, a Conrmissioner nlust maintain their primarv residence withiri the
corporate boundaries of Queenstown fbr tlvelve ( I 2 ) nronths out of each calendar I'ear.
(3) Candidates will provide proof of residencl' r.vithin the incorporated limits of
Queensto*'n at the time of filing. Sitting Cornmissioners shall provide proof of residence annually.
dr.rringthe month of .lul;,'. Acceptable filrnrs of'proof include a N4ar,r'land driver's license. state or
{'ederal identification cards. etc. Utilit.v or other bills not be accepted as sufl'icierrt proof.
'ui,ill
(Res. 09-101. Februarv 10. 2009)
Section 19-5. Salarv.
Eaclt Commissioner shall receive an annual salarv rvhich shall be equal for all
Commissioners and shall be as specified from time to time b1'' an ordinance passed by" the
Commission in the regular course of its business: provided, horvever, said ordinance shall be
subject to a referendurn of the voters at the next regularly scheduled election and that the salar,l'
specified at the time any Commissioner takes office shall not be changed during the period fbr
rvhich the Con-rmissioner lvas elected. An ordinance making any' change in the salary' paid to the
several Commissioners. either b1,wa,n- of increase or decrease, shall take effect onll'as to member
of the Commission rvho shall be elected or re-elected to office after the passage of such salary
chan-ee. (Res., I\4arch 28. 1967 sec. 5.)
"
Section l9-6. \4eeting: President.
The said Cornmission shall have pon'er to meet and adjoum {rom time to time as they shall
think proper" except that the1,' shall rneet at least once in e\ier.v month and at their first meeting on
or after the fourth Mondal.' in May' shall choose from their own body a President, who shall preside
at all their meetings. vote on all questions befbre them" and remain in oll'ice until superseded
b,v.,
)
Charler of the Tow'n of Queenstorvn
Republished Decembe r. 20 l7

MUNICIPAL CHARTER OF QLIEENSTOWN
the appointment of a nerv President. Special meetings shall be called b1'the President or a majoritv
o{'the members o{'the Commission. All meetings o{'the Commission shall be open to the public.
and tlre rules of the Con'unission shall provide that residents of the tolvn shall have a reasonable
opportunit,r,to be heard at anv meeting in regard to an)i munic.ipal question. (Res., March 28,
I 967. sec. 6.)
Section l9-7. Judge of qualifications of members.
Tlre Commission shall be the judge of the election and qualifications of its nrembers. (Res.,
N{arch 28.1967. sec. 7.)
Section l9-8. Or,rorr-ul.
A ma.ioritl,ol'the memlrers o{'the Comrnission shall constitute a quorum lbr tlre transaction
of business- but no ordinance shall be approved nor any other action taken u,ithout the favorable
votes of a majoritl'of tlre u,hole number of members elected to the Commission. (Res.. N4arch 28.
I 967. sec. 8)
Section l 9-9. Procedures.
The Commission sl,all determine its orvn rules and order of busirress. lt shall keep a joumal
of its proceedings and enter therein the yeas and nays upon final action on an)' question. resolution,
or ordinance, or at anv other time ii'required by any one member. The joun'ral shall be open to
public inspection. (Res., I\,Iarch 28.1967. sec. 9.)
Porvers
0.
Section I 9- I Powers.
( I ) General porvers. The Clommission shall have the por.ver to pass all sr.rch ordinances not
contrary to the Constitution and larvs of the State of Maryland of lSee note (3)) this charter as it
ma,v- deem necessar)'Ibr the good govenulent of the tou,n; lbr the protection and preservation o{'
tlre town's propert)i, rights. and privileges: for the preservation of peace and good order: for
securittg persons and property liom violence. danger, or destruction: and for the protectiolr and
promotion of the health. safety" comfoft. convenience. u,elfare. and happiness of the residents of
the torvn and visitors thereto and sojoumers therein.
(2) Specific powers. The Comrnission shall have, in addition. the porver to pass ordinances
not contrary to the laws and Constitution of this State, for the following specific purposes:
(3) Advertisirrg. To provide for advertising fbr the purposes of the tou,n, for printing and
publishing statements as to the business clf the tow,n.
(4) Aisles. To regulate and prevent the obstruction of aisles in public halls. churches and
places of amusement. and to regulate the construction and operation of the doors and means of
egress therefrom.
Charter of the Torvn of Queenstorvn
Republished Decembe r. 20 17

\4UNIC IPAL CHARTER OF QL]EENSI'OWN
{5) Arnusements. J'o provide in the interest of'the public lvelf are for licensing, regulating.
or restraining theatrical or other public amusements.
(6) Appropriarions. To appropriate rnunicipal monies I'or anv purpose within the powers
olthe Cornmission.
(7) Auctioneers. To rcgulate the sale of all kinds of propert1"by auction within the town
and to iicense auctionsers.
(8)
Billboards. To license. tax and regulate. restrain or prohibit the erection or
maintenance of billboards u,ithin the torvn. the placing of si-ens. bills and posters of everl..kind and
description on an-v building. fence. post. billboard. pole or other place ivithin the torvn.
(9) Bridges. To erect and maintain bridges.
(10) Buildings. To make reasonable resulations in regard to buildings and signs to be
erected. constructed, or reconstructed in the torvn, and to grant building permits for the same: to
{bnnulate a Lruilding code and plurnbing code and to appoint a building inspector and a plurnbing
inspector. and to require reasonable charges for pennits and inspections: 1o authorize and require
the inspection of all buildings and structures and to authorize tlre condemnation thereof in'r.vhole
or in paft rvhen dangerolls or itrsecure. and to require that such buildings and structures be made
safe or be taken dou'n.
(11) Cemeteries. To regulate or prohibit the intennent ol'bodies rvithin the torvn and to
regulate cemeteries.
(12) C'odification. To provide forthe codification of all ordinances which have been or
rnal' hereafter be passed.
(13) Comnrunit,v services. To provide, nraintain. and operate communit-v and sclcial
services for tlie preservation and promotion o{'the health. recreation. rvelf-are, and inhabitants o{'
tlre tor.r.'n.
(14) Cooperative activities. To make asreements with other rnunicipalities. counties.
districts. bureaus. commissions. and governrnental authorities for the joint performance of or for
cooperation in the per:fonnance cll'an,v goveflrnental functions.
(15) Curferv. To prohibit the youth of the torvn from being in the streets, lanes. alleys. or
public places at unreasonable hours of the night.
(16) Dangerous conditions. To compel persons about to undertake dangerous
improvements to execute bonds rvith sufllcient sureties conditioned that the owner or contractor
r.r,ill pay all damages resulting from such work u4rich rna1,'be sustained by an1, persons or property.
Charler of the Tor,'n of Queenstorvn
Republished December. 20 l7

\4UNICIPAL CHARTER OF QUEENSTOWN
-['o
( 17) Departments. create. change. and abolish offices, de;rartments. or agencies, other
than the office (See note (3)) depanmenls, and agencies established b), this chafter: to assign
additional functions or duties to offices, depanments, or agencies established b1'this charter. but
not includine the power to discontinue or assign to any' other office, department, or agency,- anv
l'unction or dut1" assigned b1' this charter to a pafticular office. department. or agencv.
l8)
( Disorderh' houses. To suppress bar.vd,v houses, disorderly houses and houses oi ill
{i:.rae.
(19) Dogs. To leeulate the keepirig of dogs in the tor,r.,n and to provide, wherever the
count)' does not license or tax dogs, for the licerrsing and taxirig o{'the same; to provide {br the
disposition of homeless dogs and dogs on w-hich no license fee or taxes are paid.
(20) Elei,ators. To require the irrspeclion and licensing of elevators and 1o prohibit their
use q,hen unsafe or dangerous olil'ithout a license.
(21) Explosives. To regulate or prevent the storage of gunpowder, oil, or any' other
explosive or combustible matter; to regulate or prevent the use of firearms. firervorks, bonfires.
explosives. or any other sinrilar things lvhich may endanger persons or propert.v.
(22) Filth. To compel the occupant of anl,.premises. building or outhouse situated in the
lown, rvhen the same has become filth1,' or unrvholesome. tcl abate or cleanse the conclition: and
after reasonable rrotice to the o\vners or occupants to authorize such rvork to be done b1.' the proper
of-ficers and to assess the expense thereoiagainst such property, rnaking it collectible by taxes or
agairrst the occupant or occltpatlts.
(23) Finances. To lev,r,, assess, and collect ad valorem property taxes: to expend rnunicipal
funds fbr an;,'public purpose; to have general management and control of the finances ol'the town.
(24) Fire. To suppress fires and prevent the dangers thereof and to establish and maintain
a fire department: to contribute funds to volunteer fire companies serving the lown; tcl inspect
buildings fbr tlie purpose o1" reducing {ire hazards. to issue regulations conceniing fire hazards,
and to forbid and prohibitthe use of fire-hazardous buildinqs and structures pennanentll,'or until
the conditions of torvn fire-hazard regulations are met; to install and maintain fire plugs rvhere and
as necessary. and to regulate their use; and to take all other measures necessary.'to control and
prevent t'ires in the town.
(2-5) Food. To inspect and to require the condernnation of- if unrvholesome. and to regulate
the sale of, an-v food products.
(26) Franchise. To srant and regulate franchises to u,ater companies, electric light
companies, gas companies" telegraph and telephone companies, cable television companies, transit
companies. taxicab companies and anv otlier u,hich ma-v be deemed advantageous and beneficial
to the to$'n. subject, hoq,ever. to the limitations and provisions of Arlicle 23 of the Annotated
Code of Maryland. No franchise shall be granted for a longer period than tift1.')'ears.
Charler of the Town of Queenstorvn
Republished Decembe r. 20 l7

MUNICIPAL CHARTER OF QL]EENSTOWN
(27) Camblin-e. T'o restrain and prohibit gambling.
(28) Garbage. To prevent the deposit of an1.'unu,holesome substance either on private or
public propert)'. and to compel its removal to designated points: to reqr"rire slops. garbage. ashes
and other waste or other unrvholesome materials to be removed to designated points. or to require
the occupants of the premises to place them convenientll"f-or removal.
f29) Grants-in-aid. T'o accept gifts and grant ol'Federal or of State Funds from the Federal
or State governments or an)'- agenc)/ thereof. and to expend the sanre for any larvf-ul public purpose,
agreeabll"to the oonditions under r.vhich the gifts or grants r.vere rnade.
(30) l{awkers. To license. tax. regulate. suppress and prohibit hawkers and itinerant
dealers. peddlers, pall'nbrokers and all other persons sellin,e any articles on tlre streets of the town.
and to revoke such licenses for cause.
(31) Health. To protect and preserve the health of the town and its inhabitants: to appoint
a public health ol'flcer. and to de{irre and regulate his pou,ers and duties; to prevent the introduction
of contagious diseases into the tow-n; to establish quarantine regulations and to authorize the
removal and conflnement of persons having contagious or infectious diseases; to prevent and
remove alI nuisances; to inspect, reeulate. and abate any'buildings, structures, or places rvhich
cause or ma,v cause unsanitarv conditions or conditions detrimental to health: that nothing herein
shall be construed to affect in an;- manner an;- ol'the porvers and duties o{'the State Board of
Health, the County' Board ol- Health. or an!" public general or local law relating to the subject of
health.
(32) House nurnbers. To regulate the numbering of houses and lots and to compel owners
to renumber the same or in default thereof to authorize and require the same to be done by' the
town at the owner's expense. such expense to c',onstitute a lien upon the property collectible as tax
monies.
(33) Jail. To establish and regulate a station house or lock-up for ternporary confinement
jail
of violators of the larvs and ordinances of the town or to use the countl.' fbr such purposes.
(34) Licenses. Subject to an).'restrictions inrposed b"v the public general lau,'s of the State,
to license and regulate all persons beginning or conducting transient or permanent business in the
torvn for the sale of any.' goods" wares. nrerchandise. or services, to license and regulate any
business, occupation, trade, calling. or place or amLlsernent or business: tcl establish and collect
fees and charges fbr all licenses and pen'nits issued under the authoritl,'of this charter.
(35) Liens. 'I o provide that an,v valid charges, taxes. or assessments made against any real
property u.ithin the town shall be liens upon such propemy, to be collected as municipal taxes are
collected.
(36) Li-ehts. To provide for the lighting of tlre town.
Charler of the Town of Queenstonn
Republished December. 20 17

MUNICIPAL CHART'ER OF QUEENSTOWN
(37) Livestock. 'l'o requlate and proliibit the running at large of cattle, horses. srvine. fbrvl.
sheep- goats. dogs. or other animals; to authorize the imporurding- keeping. sale. and redenrption
of such animals when fbund in violation of the ordinance in such cases orovided.
138.1 h4arkets. To ohtain by.' lease or rent. own" construct. purchase, operate. and maintain
public markets within the town.
(39) ir4inor Privileses. To regulate or prevent the use of public wa)'s. sidewalks. and pr.rblic
places fbr signs. ar,r'ning, lrosts" steps. railings, entrances. racks. posting handbills and
adveftisements, and displal'of goods, \l,ares, and mercirandise.
(40.1 Noise. To regulate or prolribit unreasonable ringing of bells. cr1.'-ing of goods or
sounding of rvhistles and homs.
(41) Nuisances. To prcvent or abate by appropriate ordinances all nuisances in the torm
q'hich are so defined at common larv. by, this charter" or b,v the larvs of the State of N4aryland,
rvhether the same be herein speci{icall1,' named or not: to regulale" to prohibit. to control the
Iocation of. orto require the removal from the torvn of all trading in. handling of, or nranufacture
o1'anv cclmrnodity which is or mav beconre ol'fense, obnoxious" or injurious to the public comfort
or health. In this connection the tor.vn ma;.' regulate. prohibit. control the location oi or require
the remor;al from the tolvn of such things as stocky.-ards, slaughterhouses. cattle or hog pens,
talureries. atrd renderies. This listing is b1,'wa;,'o{'enumeration. not lilnitation.
(42) Obstructions. To remove all nuisances and obstructions fror"n the streets. lanes and
alley"s and I'rom any lots ad.ioining thereto, or any otherplaces r,r,irhin the limirs ol'the torvn.
(43) Pa*ine Facilities. To license and regulate and to establish, obtain b,r,purchase. by
Iease err b1' rent, own. construct. operale. and maintain parking lots and other t'acilities {br ol'l'-street
parkirrg.
(44) Parking \4eters. To install parking rneters on the streets and public places o{'the torvn
in such places as the!'shall bv ordinance determine, and b1,'ordinance prescribe rates and
provisions for tlre use thereof.
(45) Parks and Recreation. To establish and maintain public parks, gardens" playgrounds.
and other recreational facilities and ;rroerams to promote the health. rvelfare, and enjovment of the
inhabitants of the rown.
(46) Police Force. To establish. operate. and maintain a police fcrrce. AII toq'n policernen
shall" rvithin the nrunicipality have the powers and authorit_v of sheriffs in this State.
(47) Police Por+'ers. To prohibit, suppress, and punish within the torvn all vice, gambling.
and games ol'chance; prostitution and solicitation there{br and tlre keeping of bau'dy houses and
houses of ill t'ame: all tramps and vagrants: all disorder. disturbances. annoyances. disorderl,v
conduct, obscenity', public profanity, and drunkenness.
Charter o{'the Torvn of Queenstorvn
Republished Decembe r. 2017

MUNICIPAL CHART'ER OF QL]EENS'TOWN
(48) Property. To acquire by convevance" purchase or gift, real or leasable properl,v tbr
anl"public purposes; to erect buildings and structures thereon lbrthe benefit o{'the tou'n and its
inhabitants; and to conve)' any lesl or leasehold propertl,' when no longer needed for the public
use, after having given at least twent-v day's public notice of the proposed conve)/ance: to control,
protect and rnair-rtain public buildings. grounds arid property o{'the town.
(49) Quarantine. To establish quarantine regulations in the interests of the public health.
(50) Regulations. To adopt b1"ordinance and enforce nithin the corporate limits police.
health. sanitary', fire. buildings, plumbing. traffic. speed. parking" and other similar requlations not
in con{lict with the larvs o{'the State o1'l\4aryland or rvith this charter.
(51) Sidewalks. To regulate the use of sidenalks and all structures in. under or above the
sanle; to require the or.vner or occupanl o1'premises to keep the sideivalks in front thereol'ltee from
snow or other obstructions, to prescribe hours for cleaning sideq,alks.
(52) Srveepings. To regulate or prevent the tlirorving or depositing ol'su,eepings- dust.
ashes. offal, garbage, paper, handbills. dirty liquids, or other unrvholesome materials into an1,'
public way or on to an)'public, or private property in the to',vn.
(53) Taxicabs. To license, tax and re-eulate public hackmen. taxicabmen, dra.vmen. drivers,
cabmen, porters and expressnren. ancl all other persons pursr.ring like clccupations.
(54) Vehicles. To regulate and license wagons and other vehicles not subject to the
lic,ensing powers of the State o{'N{ar1''land.
(55) Votin_e Machines. To purchase. lease. boruorv. install and rnaintain voting rnachines
l'crr use in torvn elections.
(56) Zoning. To exercise the porvers as to planning and zoning, conferred upon rnunicipal
corporatiorrs generally' in Article 668 of the Annotated Code of \4an,land, subject. hor,l'ever, to
the lirnitations and provisions ol'said Atlicle.
(57) Saving Clause. fhe enumeration of porvers in this sectiorr is not to be construed as
linriting the powers of the town to the several sr.rbjects mentioned. (Res., Iv{arch 28,1967. sec. 10:
Res..5-15-83.)
l9-11.
Section Exerciseofporvers.
For the purpose o1'carr1,'ing out the powers granted in this subtitle or elseufiere in this
charterthe Commission ma.v pass all necessar)i ordinances. All the powers of the torvn shall be
exercised in the manner prescribed by this chafter, or, if the manrler be not prescribed. then in such
nlanner as ma)' be prescribed by" ordinance. (Res., March 28. W67 . sec. I I .)
l9-12.
Section Enforcement of ordinances.
Charter of the Torvn of Queenstorvn
Republished December. 20 l7

MUNrC'rPAL CHAR'|ER OF QUEENSI'OWN
To ensure the obsen'ance of the ordinances of the tcrvn, the Commission shall have the
power to provide the (See note {4)) r,iolation thereof shall be a misdemeanor and shall have the
po\.\ier to affix thereto penalties of a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) or
irnprisonment for not exceeding thirty da,vs" or both such fine and imprisonment. Any person
subject to an)'fine" forleiture. orpenalt.v b1.'i,irtue of an,v ordirrance passed under the authorit-v of
this charter shall have the right of appeal rnithin ten days to the Circuit Court for Queen Anne's
C'ount1,'. The Commission may'provide that. *,here the violation is ola coutinuing nature and is
persisted itr, a conviction for one violation shall not be a bar to a conviction fbr a continuation of
tlre offense subsequent to the first or any succeeding conviction. (Res., \,larch 28, 1967 , sec. 12.i
Section I 9-l 3. File o1'ordinances.
Ordinances shall be permaneutly filed by the Clerk-Treasurer and shall be kept available
{br public inspection. (Res., \4arch 28, 1967. sec. 13.)
Registration. Noninations and Elections
19-14.
Section Voters.
Every person r.r,ho (l) is a citizen of tlie United States. (2) is at least eighteen vears of age,
(3) is a legal resident of the State of \4ar5'1and. (4) rvill have resided rvithin the corporate limited
of the Town for at least thirty (30) da1's prior to the next upcoming electicn follorvir:g their
registratiorr. and (5) is registered in accordance with the provisions of this charter" shall be a
qualified voter of tlre toq'n. Everi,'qualified voter of this torvn shall be entitled to vote at any or
af l tcrrvn elections. (Res.. h4arch ?8, 1967, sec. I 4; Res. No. 93-C, 6-2-93; Res. 08- l 0l . Februar-v
4,2008)
l9-15.
Section Election cluties.
The Clerk-Treasurer shall be in charge of the registration of voters. nominations. and all
torvn elections. The Commission ma)'appoint election clerks or other employees to assist hirn in
an-v of its duties. I{e shall not be a candidate lbr an.v elective oflice durir:rg the appointmsnt as
Clerk-'lieasurer. (Res.. I\4arch 28" 1967. sec. l5)
l9-16.
Section Notice.
The Clerk-Tleasurer shall give at least two weeks' notice of every registration day and
ever,v election by an adveftisement published in at least one newspaper of general circulation in
the torvn and b,v posting a notice thereof in some priblic place or places in the town. (Res., N4arch
28 1967. sec. 16.)
l9-17.
Section Registration of voters.
There shall be a registration the tirst Monday in May in every of qualified persons
.vear,
not registered to vote. If necessary' for the performance of registlation or the convenience of the
citizens of the tou,n, the commission ma-v designate additional da,v-s as registration da.vs.
Chdrter of the Tou,n of Queenstou'n
December, 2017
$,fublished

\4UNIC.IPAL CHART'ER OF QLTEENSTOWN
Registrationshallbepermanent,andnoperSonsha|lbeentitledtovoteinto*,nelectionsun|esshe
is r:egister:ed. lt shall be the dutl,' of the Clerk-Treasurer to keep the registration lists up to date bl,'
stri(ing from the lists persons kncwn to have died or to harze moved out of tlre town. The
Commission is hereb-v authorized and directed, by ordinance. to adopt and enforce any provisions
necessarv to establish and maintain a system of pennanent registration, and to provide fbr a re-
registration when necessary. (Res., l\4arch 28, 1967, sec. 17)
l0
Chatter of the Tonn of Queenstor'*.n
Republished December. 20 | 7

tl
Charter of the Town of Queenstown tzt -
Section 19-18. Appeals.
If any persons shall feel aggrieved by the action of the Clerk-Treasurer in refusing to
register or on striking off the name of any person, or by any other action, such person may appeal
to the Commission. Any decision or action of the Commission upon such appeals may be appealed
to the Circuit Court for Queen Anne's County within thirty days of the decision or action of the
Commission. (Res,, March 28,1967, sec. 18.)
Section l9-19. Nominations.
Persons may be nominated for elective office in the town by filing a certificate of
nomination. Such certificate shall state the following: (1) the office [for] which the candidate is
seeking the nomination, (2) the name of the candidate. The certificate shall be filed with the Clerk
at least thirty calendar days prior to the election. No person shall file for nomination to more than
one elective town public office or hold more than one elective town public office at any one time'
(Res., March 28,1967, sec. 19; Res. No. 18-105, l0-07-2018.)
Section l9-19.1. Write-In Candidates.
(a)
As used in this Section, the following definitions shall apply.
"Write-in candidate" means an individual whose name will not appear on the ballot but
who files a certificate of nomination in accordance with subsection (b) below.
"Write-in vote" means a vote cast in an election for an individual whose name is not on
the ballot for that election.
(b) A person may run in the general election for a Commissioner position as a
write-in candidate provided that he or she is qualified to serve as a Town Commissioner in
accordance with Section l9-4 of the Town Charter, and provided that he or she has filed a
certificate of nomination with the Town Clerk-Treasurer at least ten (10) days prior to the election'
A write-in candidate shall comply with all requirements imposed by the Town upon candidates
running for office.
(c) In any general election, the Town Clerk-Treasurer shall count any write-in vote
for a write-in candidate who has complied with the provisions set forth in subsection (b) above' A
write-in vote shall not be counted unless the vote is for a write-in candidate who has complied
with subsection (b). (Res. No. l8-105, l0-07-2018.)
Section 19-20. Election of Commissioners.
On the third Monday of May, 1967,the qualified voters of the town shall elect one person
as Commissioner to serve for a term of one year; one person as Commissioner to serve for a term
of two years; and one person as Commissioner to serve for a term of three years. On the third
Monday of May of each succeeding year, the qualified voters of the town shall elect one person as
Commissioner to serve for a term of three years. (Res., March 28, 1967 , sec. 20.)
(revised Il/19)

t2t - t2 Municipal Charters of Maryland
Section l9-21 . Conduct of Elections.
It shall be the duty of the Clerk-Treasurer to provide for each special and general election
a suitable place or places for voting and suitable ballot boxes and ballots and/or voting machines
and provide for the casting of absentee ballots. The ballots and/or voting machines shall show the
name of each candidate nominated for elective office in accordance with the provisions of this
charter, arranged in alphabetical order by office with no party designation of any kind. The
Clerk-Treasurer shall keep the polls open from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., on election days or for
l,
longer hours if the Commission requires it. (Res., March 28, 1967, sec. 21;Res., May 1980;
Res. No. 18-107, 10-07-2018.)
Section 19. 21.1. Absentee Voting.
(a)
Qualified voters may vote by absentee ballot. Any qualified voter as defined in
Section 19-14 who may be absent or unable to vote for any reason on election day may vote as an
absentee voter under this subtitle. An absentee ballot must be received on or before the election
day in accordance with this Section.
(b)
Elections in which absentee voters may vote. This subtitle applies to elections for
all candidates, charter amendments and other questions at any election held in any year.
(c)
Applications for absentee ballots.
(l)
Required; contents. A qualified voter desiring to vote at any election as an
absentee voter shall make application in writing to the Town Clerk-Treasurer for an absentee
ballot, which application must be received not later than seven (7) days before the election. The
application shall contain an affidavit, which need not be under oath but which shall set forth the
following information under penalty of perjury.
(a)
The voter's name and residence address, including the street and
number, if any, or rural route, if any;
(b) That the person is a qualified voter at the residence address given;
(c) Ifthe person voted at the preceding election, the residence address
from which he voted; and
(d) That the voter expects in good faith to be unable to vote in person.
(d)
Applicationforms.
(1) Applications for absentee ballots in accordance with the requirements of
this section shall be provided by the Clerk-Treasurer and shall be available to any qualified voter
upon request.
(revised 1l/19)

Charter of the Town of Queenstown t21- tz.r
(2) The Town Clerk-Treasurer shall prescribe the form "Application for
Absentee Ballot by Registered Voter," and related affidavits and statements.
(e)
Determination of absentee voter's application; delivery of ballots.
(l)
Rejection of Application. Upon receipt of an application containing the
affidavit, the Clerk-Treasurer, when rejecting the application, shall notify the applicant of the
reason therefor if he determines upon the inquiry that the applicant is not legally qualified to vote
at the election as an absentee voter.
(2) Delivery of Ballot. If the applicant is a qualified voter as stated in his
affidavit the Clerk-Treasurer shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, deliver to him, at the office
of the Clerk-Treasurer, or mail to him at an address designated by him, an absentee voter's ballot
and envelopes therefore. The absentee ballot may also be delivered by electronic transmission to
the qualified voter, with the envelope template described in subsection O herein.
Postage for transmitting ballot material to the voter shall be paid by the
Clerk-Treasurer, and postage for the return of ballots shall be paid by the voters. If the ballots are
to be sent by mail, the determinations required in this section shall be made in such time as will
allow for the sending and retum of the ballots by regular mail, or airmail, depending on the mailing
address and including at least one secular day for marking the ballots and completing the affidavit.
All such investigations shall be concluded and any determination made as to all absentee ballot
applications not later than five (5) days before election day.
(3)
Record of applications received and ballots delivered.
(a)
The Clerk-Treasurer shall keep a record of applications for absentee
voters' ballots as they are received, showing the date and time received, the names and residence
of the applicants, and such record shall be available for examination by any registered voter.
(b) After approval of an application for an absentee ballot, the
Clerk-Treasurer shall place the absentee voter's name on the Registered Absentee Voter's List,
which shall be maintained in the office of the Clerk-Treasurer, recording the fact that an absentee
ballot has been mailed, which shall show the date on which the ballot was sent. No such voter shall
vote or be allowed to vote in person at the polling place.
(4)
One ballot to an applicant. Not more than one absentee ballot shall be
mailed to any one applicant unless the Clerk-Treasurer has reasonable grounds to believe that the
absentee ballot previously mailed has been lost, destroyed, or spoiled.
(g)
Ballotsfor absentee voters.
(1) Printing of ballots, envelopes and instructions. ln sufficient time prior to
any election, the Clerk-Treasurer shall have an adequate number of absentee ballots, the envelopes
described in this section. and the instructions to absentee voters as set out in this article.
(revised 11/19)

tzl - 12.2 Municipal Charters of Maryland
(2) Form of ballots. The ballots shall contain the words "Absentee Ballot"
printed in large letters in a clear space at the top of each paper ballot. Underneath these words shall
be printed the following warning: "Mark ballot by placing X in proper blank after each candidate
or question. Do not erase or make identifying mark."
(h)
Instruction to voters. The instructions for the casting of absentee ballots shall be
prescribed by the Town Clerk-Treasurer.
(i) Envelopes for absentee ballots. An absentee ballot shall be enclosed in specially
printed envelopes, the form and content of which shall be prescribed by the Town Clerk-Treasurer.
The Clerk-Treasurer shall use three envelopes. The innermost envelope shall be designated the
"ballot envelope," which shall fit inside the envelope designated the "oath envelope" on which has
been printed an oath prescribed by the Town Clerk-Treasurer, both of which, when used, shall fit
inside the envelope designated the "return envelope".
0) Online ballots sent by electronic transmission. lf an absentee ballot is sent by the
internet or facsimile transmission, the Town Clerk-Treasurer shall provide the voter with an
envelope template, the oath prescribed by the Town Clerk-Treasurer, and instructions for marking
and retuming the absentee ballot.
(k)
Canvassing of ballots.
(1)
Opening or unfolding ballots. The Town Clerk-Treasurer shall not open or
unfold any absentee ballot at any time prior to the closing of the polls and the beginning of the
canvass ofthe absentee ballots.
(2)
Procedure generally. At any time after the closing of the polls and not later
than the canvass of the votes cast at the regular voting places at any election, the Town
Clerk-Treasurer shall proceed to count, certify and canvass the absentee ballots contained in the
ballot envelopes, received by them prior to the closing of the polls on election day. No ballot shall
be rejected except by the Town Clerk-Treasurer. All voter's applications, medical certificates,
notarial affidavits, certifications, ballot envelopes and ballots shall be kept separate and apart from
ballots cast at the regular voting places and retained for six (6) months after the date of election at
which they were cast, unless prior to that time, the Town Clerk-Treasurer shall be ordered by a
court of competent jurisdiction, to keep the same for any longer period.
(3)
Voter dying before election day. Whenever the Town Clerk-Treasurer shall
determine from proof or investigation that any person who has marked and transmitted or
deposited in person with the Town Clerk-Treasurer an absentee ballot has died before election
day, said Town Clerk-Treasurer shall not count the ballot of the said deceased voter, but it shall
be preserved by the Town Clerk-Treasurer for six (6) months and may then be destroyed, unless
prior to that time the Town Clerk-Treasurer is ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction to keep
the same for any longer period. If at or prior to the time of counting and canvassing the Town
Clerk-Treasurer shall not have determined that the absentee resident who marked a ballot had died
before election day, said ballot shall be counted, and the fact that said absentee resident may later
(revised II/19)

rzt
Charter of the Town of Queenstown -12.3
be shown to have been actually dead on election day shall not invalidate said ballot or said election.
(4) More than one ballot received from some person. If the Town
Clerk-Treasurer receives from the same person prior to the closing of the polls on election day
more than one absentee bailot, it shali count, certi$' and canvass only the absentee ballot contained
in the ballot envelope on which the voter's oath was first executed, and if the oath on two or more
of the ballot envelopes containing absentee ballots are dated the same or if both are undated, none
of the ballots received from such person shall be counted. (Res. No. l8-104, l0-07-2018.)
Section l9-21.2. Cancellation of Election Where Seat is Uncontested.
In the event that the seat for Commissioner is uncontested and the time period for filing a
certificate of nomination has expired to file as either an official candidate or as a write-in
candidate, then the Town Clerk-Treasurer may cancel the election. If the election is canceled, the
candidate running for the uncontested seat shall be declared elected and shall be swom in as
Commissioner. (Res. No. l8-106, 10-07-2018.)
Section l9-22. Special elections.
All special town elections shall be conducted by the Clerk-Treasurer in the same manner
and with the same personnel, as far as practicable, as regular town elections. (Res., March 28,
1967. sec.22.\
Section l9-23. Vote count.
Within twelve hours after the closing of the polls, the Clerk-Treasurer shall determine the
vote cast for each candidate or question and shall certify the results of the election to the
Commission and shall record the results in the minutes of the Commission. The candidate(s) for
Commissioners with the highest number of votes in the general election shall be declared elected.
(Res., March 28,1967, sec. 23.)
Section 19-23.1. General Election Which Results in a Tie Among Two or More Candidates.
In the event that an election results in a tie among two or more candidates for
Commissioner, a special election among the candidates receiving the same number of votes shall
be held on or before thirty (30) days of the general election to break the tie and determine which
of said candidates shall be elected to the office of Commissioner. (Res. No. 1 8-103, 10-07-201 8.)
Section 19-24. Preservation of ballots.
All ballots used in any town election shall be preserved for at least six months from the
date of the election. (Res., March 28,1967, sec.24.)
Section 19-25. Vacancies.
In case of a vacancy on the Commission for any reason, the Commission shall elect some
qualified person to fill such vacancy for the unexpired term. Any vacancies on the Commission
(revised 11/19)

121 - 12.4 Municipal Charters of Maryland
shall be filled by the favorable votes of a majority of the remaining members of the Commission.
The results of any such vote shall be recorded in the minutes of the Commission. (Res., March 28,
1967, sec.25.)
Section 19-26. Women.
Women shall have equal privilege with men in registering, voting, and holding town
offices. Whenever the masculine gender has been used as to any registering, voting, or holding
town office, it shall be construed to include the feminine gender. (Res., March 28,1967, sec. 26.)
Section l9-27. Regulation of elections.
The Commission shall have the power to provide by ordinance in every respect not covered
by the provisions of this charter for the conduct of registration, nomination, and town elections
and for the prevention of fraud in connection therewith, and for a recount of ballots in case of
doubt or fraud. (Res., March 28, 1967, sec.27.)
Section I 9-28. Penalty provisions.
Any person who (1) fails to perform any duty required of him under the provisions of this
subtitle or any ordinances passed thereunder, (2) in any manner wilfully or corruptly violates any
of the provisions of this subtitle or any ordinances passed thereunder, or (3) wilfully or comrptly
does anything which will or will tend to affect fraudulently any registration, nomination, or town
election, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. Any officer or employee of the town
government who is convicted of a misdemeanor under the provisions fo [ofl this section shall
immediately upon conviction thereof cease to hold such office or employment. (Res., March 28,
1967. sec. 28.)
(revised 1I/19)

VIUNICIPAL CHARTER OF QUEENSTOWN
Finance
Sectionl9-29. Clerk-Treasurer.
Tirere shall be a Cllerk-Treasurer appointed by the Cornmission rvho shali serve at the
pleasure of the Commisslon and *'hose compensation shall be determined b1' the Comurission.
The Clerk-Treasurer shall be the ehief financial officer of the torw. The financial powers of tlie
to\ .'x. except as otheru.ise provided b,v this charter, shall be exercised by che Clerk-Treasurer under
the dilect supervision of the Clornmission. {Res., March 28, 1967, sec.29.1
Section 19--30. Salre: porvers and duties.
Under tire superv-ision ol'the Commission the Clerk-Treasurer shall have authority and
shall be requircd to:
(1) Prepare at the requesl of the Comrnission an annual budeet to be submitted to the
Commission.
(2) Supen'ise and be responsible for the disbursement o1'all monies and have control over
all expenditures to assure that budget appropriations are not exceeded.
(3) Maintain a general accounting sy.'stem lbr the town in snch fomr as the Commission
ma3,'require. not con€rar1'to state law.
(4) Submit at the end oi' each tiscal 1,ear. and at such other times as the commission may
require, a cornplete financial repoft to the Commission.
(5) Ascertain that all taxable propert!, u,ithin the toi,l.n is assessed for taxation.
(6) Collect all taxes, special assessments, Iicense fees" liens. arrd ali other revenue
(including utility' revenues) of the town, and all other revenues for rvhose collectioti the town is
responsible. and receive an.v fur,ds receivable by the town.
(7) Have custody of all public monies, belonging to ar under the control of the town. except
as to firnds in the conffol of any set of trustees, and have custody of all bonds and notes of the
t0\,\jn.
(8) Do such other things in reiation to the fiscal or financial at-tbirs of the torvn as the
Commission ma,v-. require or as rna,v- be required elsewhere in this charter. (Res., March 28,7967,
sec. 30.)
.
Section I 9-31 Same: sureV bond.
12
Charter of the Town of Queenstorn'n
Republished December. 2017

MUNICIPAL CHARTER OF QLIEENSTOWN
The Clerk-Treasurer shall execute a bond, at the expense of the torvn. with such corporate
surety. in such amoLrnt and u,ith such conditions as the Commission by,'resolution ma1,' require.
(Res., Ir{arch 28. 1967. sec. 31.)
l9-32.
Sectiorr Fiscal vear.
The town shall operate on an annual budget. The fiscal y'ear o1'the town slrall begin on the
first da1'of Jr"rly of each vear and shall end on the last day of June. Such fiscal shall constitute
.v-ear
the tax year, the budget vear, and the accolruting y'ear. (Res.. N,{arch 28,1967. sec. 32.)
l9-33.
Section Budeet.
The Clerk-Treasurer. on such date as the Commission b1.'ordinance shall deternrine, but at
least thirt,v-tu,o dalis befbre the beginning of an-v fiscal year. shall submit a budget to the
Clommission. The budget shall provide a complete financial plan for the budget year and shall
contain estimates of'anticipated revenues and proposed expenditures for tlie conring y'ear. The
total of the anticipated re\renues shall equal or exceed the total of the proposed expenditures. The
budget shall be a public record in the office of the Clerk-Treasllrer. open to public inspection b1.'
anyone during nornral business hours. (Res., March 28.1967" sec. 33.)
l9-3:1.
Section Sanre; adoption.
Before adopting the budget the Commission shall hold a meeting thereon. The
C;ornmission mav itrseft trew items or may' increase or decrease the items of the budget. Where the
Commission shall increase the total proposed erpenditures it shall also increase the total
anticipated revenues in anl"antount at least equal to such total proposed expenditr.res. The budget
shall be prepared and adopted in the fornr of a resolution. A lavorable vote of at least a nrajoritl,
of the total elected rnembership o{'the Commission shall be necessary fbr adoption. (Res." March
28. 1967. sec. 34.)
I9-35.
Section Appropriations.
No public nrone!'ma-v be expended rvithout having been appropriated b1.'the Comrnission.
From the eff'ective date of the budget. the several amounts stated therein as proposed expenditures
shall be and beconre appropriated to the several objects and purposes narned therein. (Res.. March
28" 1967. sec. 35.)
l9-36. 'Iranst-er
Section clf funds.
Any transfer of funds between major appropriations for dif}'erent purposes must be
approved by the Clomntission before becoming effective. (Res., March 28.1967. sec. 36.)
Sectionl9-37.
Over-exnenditures.
l3
Charter of the Tou,n of Queenstou'n
Republished Decernbe r. 20 | 7

MUNICIPAL CHARTER OF QL]EENSTOWN
No oft'icer or ernploy'ee shall during an1' budget year expend or contract to expend an1.'
money or incur an1, liability' or enter into an-v contraot which by its terms involves the expencliture
of mone1" for an1,'purpose. in excess of the amounts appropriated for or transferred to that general
classification or expenditure pursuant to this c'harter. Any' contract verbal or rvritten. made in
violation of this charter shall be null and void. Nothing in this section cotrtained, horvever. shall
prevent the making of contracts or the spending of mbne1, for capital improvements to be financed
in whole or in parl hv the issuance of bonds. nor the making of contracts of lease or for sen'ices
for a period exceeding the budget in wl-:ic,h such contract is made, rryhen such contract is
1.'ear
pennitted by'larv. (Res.. ftlarch 28,1967, sec. 37.)
l9-38.
Section Apnropriationslapse.
All appropriations shall lapse at the end of the budget year to the extent that thel.' shall not
have been expended or lawfullv encumbered. An), (See note (4)) unexpended arrd unencumbered
funds shall be considered a surplus at the end of the budget and shall be included among the
1.'ear
anticipated revenues for the next succeeding budget year. ( Res., March 28" 1967 . sec. 38.)
l9-39.
Section Checks.
All checks issued in payment ol'salaries or other municipal obligations shall be issued and
signed b1.. the Clerk-Treasurer and shall be countersigned b"v the President of the Commission.
(Res., N4arch 28. 1967 , sec. 39.)
l9-40.
Section Budget authorizes levl".
From the e{lbctive date of'the budget, the amount stated therein as the amount to be raised
by the propeft)- tax shall constitLtte a determination of the atnount of the tax levl, in tlre
ccrrresponding tax ,vear. (Res., March 28.1967. sec. 40.)
.
Section l9-41 Notice of lev,v.
Inlnediatell..after the levy' is made by the Cornmission in each, (See note (a)) the Clerk-
Treasurer shall give notice of the making of the ler')' br- posting a notice thereof in sotne public
place or places in the torvn. He shall make out and mail or deliver in person to each taxpayer or
his agent at this last knou'n address a bill or account of the taxes due from him. This bill or account
shall contain a statement of the amount clf real and personal property with rvhich the taxpa.l"er is
assessed. the rate oi'taxation. the amount of taxes dr.re. and the date on rvhich the taxes n,ill bear
interest. Failure to give or receive an,v notice required by"this section shall not relieve an,v taxpa)'er
of the responsibility'to pay'on the date established by this charter all taxes levied on his propeft)".
(Res., March 28, 1967 . sec. 4l .)
l9-42.
Section Taxes: r,vhen overdue.
Taxes provided for in this charter shall be due and payable on the l'1 day" of .luly in the year
l"
for rvhich they are levied and shall be overdue and in arrears on the day of the follorving
October. They shallbear interest while in anears at the rate of one-half of'one per centun'l (4.5%)
t4
Charler o{'the Tou'n of Queenstort'n
Republished Decembe r. 20 17

I\4UNICIPAL CHARTER OF QUEENSTOWN
i'or eac,lt rnonth or fraction ol a month until paid. All taxes not paid and in arears atter the I't dav
cr{'.lanrnry shall be collecteclas provided in Section 19-41. (See note (6)) (Res.. Marc,lt 28.1967.
sec.42.l
l9-43.
Section Same; collection.
(a) Collection. If an1" taxes. c,harges and assessrnents due the tr:w,n have not been paid
rvithin three (3) months" after the same have become overdue and in arrears. the Clerk-Treasurer.
as collector of taxes of the Torvn of Queensto\\,n. may proceed to enlbrce collection from the
property"of the delinquent fcrrthe payment of the taxes. charges and assessments, thereon b1,'tirst
publishing within thirt,r' (30) days thereafter as an advertisement in one ne\\'spaper of general
circulation in said town. a list of all delinqr-lent, together n,ith amount of taxes. charges and
assessments due b1' each. and the interest and penaltv due thereon. with a notice of rvarning to suclr
delinquent thereto attached that unless paynent lre made in full on or before a day six (6) months
after the same mav har,e become overdue and in arrears. the same will be collected bv process of
larv: and if on the last mentioned day the said taxes, charges, interest. penalty'and advertising costs
are unpaid. the Clerk-Treasurerma)'proceed to sell the propertv o{'the delinquent hy cornplying
rvith an1'. of the Public General Larvs of the State of'N4aryland relating ro the sale of properll,fbr
the ncln-pay"ment of taxes. Whenever the word "Collector" appears in such laws the nanre shall be
taken to mean the Clerk-Treasurer o{'the Town o{'Queenstown whenever the context so requires.
(b) Additional method of collection. In addition to the methods now relaringto rhe sale
ol'proper11" Ibr the non-pa-vment o1'taxes, charges and assessments- rl,'henever it shall be necessarv
to enforce the pal'ment of taxes, charges and assessments levied upon personal prop'rerty. the Clerk-
Treasurer tnay proceed in tlre same Franner as an o\\'ner o{'real estate errforcing collection ol'past
due rcnt by way o1'distraint. 1Res., \.{arch 28. 1967. sec. 43.)
l9-:l-{.
Section Fees.
All fees received by an offioer or employ'ees of the tow'n government in his ottcial capacity
shall belotrg to the town qovernment and he accounted lbr to the town. (Res.. N{arch 28. 1967.
sec. 44.)
l9-45.
Section Audits.
The financial books and accounts of the town shall be audited annually. (Res.. I\4arch 29.
1967. sec.45.)
19-46.
Section Borrowing power.
Notwithstanding an.v other provision or limitation of public general or public local larv. the
torvn shall have the porver to borror.v mone)' for any public purpose, including the refinancing oi
anY outstanding indebtedness, anc{ to evidence suc}r bomorvirrg b1,'the issue and sale of its general
obli-aation bonds. or notes issued in anticipation thereof. and shall likervise have authorit.v to
borrow mone)' in anticipation of the receipt of current tares and to evidence such borrowing b;-
the issuance and sale of its tax anticipation notes, payable as to principal and interest from said
l5
Charter o{' the Town of' Queenstorvn
Republished Decernber. 20 | 7

MUNICIPAL C'HARTER OF QL]EENSTOWN
taxes when received. all in the manner prescribed in Section 3l-37. inclusive. of Article 23A of
the Annotatecl Cocle ol'Ir4ar-vland (1957 Edition, as arnended). title "Municipal f)orporation,"
subtitle "Home Rule,'' subheading "Creation of Municipal Public Debt,'' provided hou'ever. that
ifthe ordinance or ordinanoes authorizing the issuance and sale ofany' ofsuch bonds or notes shall
so specil'.1,. said bonds or notes ma1,' be sold at private sale. without advenisement or publication
of notice of sale. or solicitation of competitive bids. (Res.. I\4arch 28. 1967 . sec. 46.)
l9-47.
Sectiorr Same: pa)'ment of indebtedness.
The issr.rance and sale of general obligation bonds. ortax anticipation notes" ar"rthorized b,v
section l9-46 hereoi. shall constitute a pledge of'the {ull faith and credit o{'the to$ql to the prompt
pay,-ment, when due. frorn ad valorem taxes and such other revenues as may be described in the
authorizing ordinance or clrdinances of the principal of and interest on such bonds or notes. The
nraturing principal o{'and interest on arly general obligation bonds ma1' be paid. in rvhole or in
parl. fiom the proceeds of such benefits. assessments or charges- or an)' combination thereoi as
the Comrnissioners rna1,' impose and c,ollect during the iife of said bonds" powrer and authorit.v so
to do being hereby' specifically granted rvhere appropriate to the public putpose for rvhich said
bonds rnay be issued. notwithstanding an,v limitation contained in this charter or in an,v otlrer larv:
but. in an)'evellt, the tou,'n shal[. if and rvhen rrecessary. aru]Llally levy upon all property'subject ttr
taxation rvithin its corporate limits ad valorem taxes sul'llcient to provide for the pa).,ment of the
maturing principal of an interest on an),'such bonds or notes. rvithout limitation as to rate or amount
notwithstanding the limitation o{'an1,' other law, and the issuatrce and sale of an-v such bonds or
notes shall constitute a covenant to that e{fect. (Res.. March 28. 1967 . sec. 47.)
l9-48.
Section Same: prior bond issued.
All bonds" notices" or other evidences of indebtedness validly" issr.red by the torvn previous
to the effective dare o{'this charter and all ordinances passed conc'erning tltem are hereby declared
to be valid. legal" and binding and of full force and efl'ect as i{'herein full1,'set {brth. (Res.. N'larch
28. 1967 . sec. 48.)
9-49.
Section l Purchases and contracts.
All purchases and contracts for the torvn government shall be made by'the Conrmission.
The commission ma1,' provide b-v ordinance for rules and regulations regarding the use of
competitive bidding and contracts for all tou,n purchases aud contracts. The torvn at any time in
its discretion tna)'enrplo,v its ou'n lilrc,es or construction or reconstruction of public improvetnents
r.r'ithout advertising fbr (or re-advertising for) or receiving bids. All u,ritten contracts rnay' be
protected by, such bonds. penalties. and conditions as tlte town may,'require. (Res., N'larch 28,
1967, sec.49.)
Personnel
19-50.
Section Clerk to the Commission.
t6
Charter of the Torvn of Queenstorvn
Republ ished Decembe r. 2A 17

MUNICIPAL CHARTER OF QLIEENSI'OWN
-fhe
Clerk-'lreasurer slrall sen,e as Clerk to the Commission. He shall attend every meeting
o{'the Commission and keep full and accurate accolutt of the proceedings of the Commission. He
shall keep such other records and perform such other duties as firay be required b1.'this charter or
tlre Ccrmmission. (Res.. N4arch 28,1967, sec,. 50.)
l.
Section l9-5 Torin atl.orne),.
The Commissioner may appoint a tonl'1 attonle].'. The torvn attorne)' shall be a member o{'
the bar of the Marvland Court of Appeals. The torvn attornel,'shall be the legal adviser of the torvn
and shall perform such duties in this connection as may' be required b,v the Commission. His
compensation shall be detennined b,v-. the Commission. Tlre tonn shall have the power to employ
suclr Iegal consultants as it deems necessary from time ro time. (Res., March 28.1967" sec. 51.;
l9-52.
Section Ernplo)'mentol'personnel.
The torvtt shall lrave the power ro employ sr.rch officers and employees as it deems
necessarY to execute the porvers and duties provided b1, this charter or other State larv and to
operate the torvn s,overnment. (Res.. March 28.1967. sec. 52.)
l9-53.
Section Retirements.r,stem.
TIle torvn shall have the porver to do all things necessar,v to irrclude its officers and
emplovees, or any o{'them. il.'ithin any retirement s\,stem or pension system under the tenns ol'
rvhich thel'are admissible, and to pav the employer's share of the cost of any.'such retirement or
pensicrn st'stem out of the general lunds o{'the to\r:n. (Res.. N{arch 28.1967- sec. 53.)
l9-54.
Sec,tion Emplo,vees: conrpensation.
The Cornpensation ol'all olllcers and ernployees o1'the town shall be set l'rom tinre to time
bv a resolution passed by'the C'ornmission. subject to the restricrions imposed u;ron establishing
the salaries o1'tlre C'ommission. (Res., N4arch 28.1967. sec. 54.)
l9-55.
Section Same: benefit nroqrams.
The tou,n is authorized and empou,ered. to provide for or participate in hospitalization or
other forms of benefit or welf-are prograrxs for its officers and employ,'ees, and to expend public
rnonies crf'the town l'rlr such progranrs. (Res.. March 29, 1967 , sec.55.)
Public Wavs and Sidewalks
l9-56.
Section Definition.
The term "public \\'ays" as used in this charter shall include all streets, avenues, roads.
higlrrvavs, public thorought-ares,lanes. and alleys. (Res., N{arch zB.1967. sec.56.)
Sectionl9-57.
Control.
tl
Charter of the Tou.'n of Queenstorvn
Republished Decembe r. 2017

MUNICIPAL CHARTER OF QL]EENSTOWN
The town shall have control of'all public wa-vs of the town. Sub.iect 10 the laws of'the State
of Maryland and this chafter, tlre tor,l,n nra1.'d,: rvhatever it deems necessary to establish. operate.
and nraintain in good condition the public wa5.'s of the tor.vn. (Res.. March 28,1()67, sec. 57.)
l9-58.
Section Porvers.
The tow'n shall have the porver:
(l)
To establish, regulate. and change tiorn time to time the grade lines, r.vidth. and
construction materials o{'anv public wav or part thereol. bridge. curbs. and gutters.
(2) To grade. la,v out. construct. open, extend" and make new public wavs.
(3) To grade. straighten. rviden, alter, improve, or close up an1.' existing public way or paft
thereof.
(4) To pave. surf'ace. repave. or resurface any public \\iay or part thereof- and to provide
for all necessary rettroval therel}orn of snorv. ice and debris.
(-5) To install. construct, reconstruct, repair and maintain curbs andior guners along an1'
public wa!' or pafi thereof.
(6) To corlstruct, reconstruct. tnaintain. and repair bridges.
(7) To rrame public ways.
(8) To have sllrve)'s. plans. specifications. and estimates nrade for any' of the above
activities or projects or part thereof . (Res., March 28. 1967 . sec. 58-)
Sectionl9-59. Sider,valks.
'fhe
town shall have the
Por.r,er:
(l) To establish. regulate. and change from time to time the grade lines. rvidth, and
construction materials of an;.' sidervalk or paft thereof along an;- public wa)' or paft thereof.
(2) To grade. lay out. construct, pave" repave, repair, extend, or othen^iise alter sidervalks
along an1,' public \.vay or part thereof.
(3) To require that the o\\'ners of an,v prroperty abutting on a sidewalk keep the sidewalk
clear of all ice. snorv, and other obstructit-rns.
(4) To require and order the olvner of any property abutting on any public rvay in the town
to perform any projects authorized b1,' this section at the owner's expense accclrding to reasonable
plans and specifications. If,, after due notice the orvner t'ails to compll,' with the order within a
l8
Charter o1'the Tortn of Queenstorvn
Republished December. 2017

MUNICIPAL CHARTER OF QL]EENSTOWN
reasonable time. the to$'n may do the work. and the expense shall be a lien on the propertv and
shall be collectible in the same manner as are town taxes or bv suit at larv. (Res.. March 28.1967.
sec. 59.)
Water and Sern,ers
9-60.
Section l Porn ers.
The tor,vn shall have the porver to acquire. establish, design, construct. reconstruct. expend.
extend, alter. imprclve. operate, maintain and repair a water suppll.' and distribution system. a
sanitary' sewer system" a stonr lvater drainage s)'stem. and a sanitarl,, disposal plant svstem" or
stabilization lagoon. r.r'itlrin or rvithout the corporate Iirnits of the torvn, and to take an1., arrd all
action neoessar-v or appropriate thereto, including the makin-e of sun,eys. plans. specifications and
estimates. The torvn nta1" b,v- ordinance regulate the use and operaticn o1'an1' such plant or svstem
or part thereof in any manner it deems to be in the public inrerest. (Res.. March 28. 1967, sec. 60.)
l9-61.
Section Structures in public wa)'s.
Any public service corporation. compan,v, or individual. before beginning &tly co11511",,.11o,t
o{'or placing o{'or changing the location of any.'main. conduit. pipe, or other structure in the pulric
u'ay of the tou'n. shall subnril plans to the to*,n and obtain u.ritten approval upon such conditions
and subject to such reasotrable limitations as ma!, be irnposed hy the torvn. Anv public serr.ic,e
corporation, company. or individual violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty o{,a
misdenteanor' If any unauthorized main. conduit, pipe or other structure interferei ivith the
operation of the \4rater. sewerage. or storm r\.,ater systems, the torvn may order it removed. (Res..
Marclr 28. 1967 . sec. 6l .)
Sectionl9-62.
Obstructions.
All individuals. fims. or corporations having mains, pipes, conduits. or other structures.
in- otr. or over any' public rvav in the town or in the county ivfuich impecle rhe establishnrent.
construction. or operation of any,'to\Ln sewer or water rnain sliall" ,pon raur,,nable potice, remove
or adjust the obstruction at their orvn expense to the satisfaction of ihe town. lf necessary, to carr)-
oul the provisions o1'this section, the town may use its condemmation powers proi,idecl in Section
I9-76. Anyviolationof anordinancepassedundertheprovisionsofthisseciionma5,bemadea
misdenreanor. (Res.. March 28.1967. sec. 62.)
'fhe
torvtr niay enter Llpoil clr do construction in. on, or over any public rva1, for the purpclse
of installins or repairing an,v- equipment or doing any other things necessary to establish, lpeiate.
and maintain the \.\'ater system. water plant. sanitary sewerage system, seweraqe treatmeni plant,
or stomr rvater se\\.'ers provided for in this charter. (Res., Marcli 29. 1967. sec. 63 )
Sec,tionl9-64.
Connections.
19
Charter of the Torvn of Queenstorvn
Republished Decernbe r. 2017

MUNICIPAL CHARTER OF QL]EENSTOWN
The torvn shall provide fcrr each and every, property abutting upon a street or right of wa.v
in which a u,ater main or sewer is laid. a \\,ater sen,ice pipe or server connection. rvhich shall be
extended fiom the rvater main or sewer to the propeff)' line of the abutting lot. and shall tre
constructed b1,' and at the sole expense of the town, but subject to the connection charge provided
ftir in Section l9-65, lwhich c,harge shall be paid before the actual comection with any pipe or
private propert,v is made). When an),water main or sewer is declared b1"the to\\:n complete and
read1,, for the deliver-v of rvater or the reception of servage. ever;- abutting propertv owner. after
due notice" shall make a c'ontlection o1'all spigots or hl,drants. toilets and lvaste drains q'ith said
\.vater main or sewer rvithin the tirne prescribed by,-the tou'n. Where the afbresaid fixtures do not
exist, or are of a nature. which. in the judgment of the town. is improper or inadequate, satisfactor,"-
equiprnent shall be installed by the owner on the premises consisting of at least one water closet
and one sink oru,ashbasin, both of rvhich shall be properll'- connected in'ith the se\\'er. Tlre tou'n
rna1,, require that all cesspools. sinkdrains. and privies be abandoned. filled. removed or left in such
a wa-v as not to irrjure public health. All rvells {bund to be polluted or a menace to health may be
ordered to be abandoned and closed. An-v violation of an ordinance passed underthe provisiotls
of tlris section rnay' be made a misdemeanor. (Res., l\4arch 28, 1967, sec' 64.)
l9-65.
Section Same: charges.
The torvn may make a charge, the amount to be detennined by' the Cornmission. for each
connection made to the tolvn's \.vater or se\\ier mains. This charge shall be unifonn throughout the
town, butmal,'be changed from;--earto !"ear. Arrangements forthe pay'ment of this charge shall
be made befbre the connection is made. (Res.. March 28, 1967 , sec. 6-5.)
Section l9-66. Itnproper uses tlf s-vstems.
In order to prevent an-v leakage or waste of lvater or otlrer improper use of the town's water
system or sewage dispclsal system, ths town may' require such changes in plumbing. fixtures. or
connections as it deems necessary to prevent such rvaste or improper use. (Res.. lV'Iarch 28.1967.
sec. 66.)
l9-67.
Section Private s)'sterns.
The to*,n rnay by clrdinance provide that no raiater suppl-v. sewerage. or stonn water
drainage s,vstem. and no water mains. sewers. drains. or connections thereu'ith" shall be constructed
or operated b,v any person or persc,ns. firm. corporation, institution. or comlnunity". rvhether upon
private premises or otlrenvise, and ma1,' pr:ovide that cesspools or other private lnethods o{'selvage
disposal shall be operated and maintained in such a manner that the1" do not and q'ill not be likely'
to afTect adversel;- the public comfbrt and he alth. Any- cesspool or other private method of servage
disposal affecting or likely, to affect adversely the public comfort and health may be deemed a
nuisance and ma-v be abated by the tolvn. An,v violation of an ordinance passed under the
provisions of this section ma1'' be made a misdemeanor. (Res.. March 28. 1967 , sec. 67' )
Section 19-6{1. Extensionsbe}'ondboundaries.
20
Charter of the Torln of Queenstorvn
Republished December. 20 17

MUNICIPAL CHAR-|ER OI. QUEENSTOWN
'['he town shall have tlre power to extend its rvater or sewerage systems beyond tlre torvn
linrirs. 1Res., \4arch 28.1967. sec.68.)
9-69.
Section I Right of enrn,.
Anl' emplo-vee or agerrt of the torryn. rvhile in the necessary pursuit of his official duties
rvith regard to the $'ater or sewage disposal s-vstems operated bi.,the town. shall have the right of
entr\r. fbr access to water or sewer installations. at all reasonable hours, ancl after reasonable
advance notice to the owner. tenant. or person in possessioll. upon an1,, premises and into an1,'
building in the toq'n or in the coutlt,v served bv the tou,n's \.vater clr selr-age disposal s1,'stem. Any
restrainl or hindrance oflbred to such entr,v by, al1\, owner. tenant. or person in possession, or the
agent of an1" of them. may" b-v ordinance. be made a misdemeanor. (Res.. Mar.ch 28. 1967. sec.
6e.)
I9-70.
Section Pollution of water sunnl),.
No person shall do anlrthing w'hich u.'ill discolor, pollute or lend to pollute anv rvater used
or to be used in the torvn lvater supplv s-vstem. Any violation of the provisions of rhis section shall
be a misdemeanor. (Res., \4arch 28. 1967 . sec. 70. )
The torvn. il'it deerns it advisable. ma)' col.ttract rvith any partJ- or parties. inside or outside
the torvn, to obtain rvater or to provide for the removal of sewage. (Res., March 28. 1967, sec. 7l . )
9-72.
Section 1 Charges and service rates.
The tolvll shall have the porverto charge and collect sucli service rates. waterrents. reacl-1,-
to-serve charges, or other charges as it deems necessar)' l'or rvater supplied apd for the rernoval of
se\\iage. These cltarges are to be billed and collected by. the Clerk-Treasurer. and if bills are unpaid
w'ithin thirty days. the sen,ice may be discontinued. Atl charges shall be a lien on the propirtrv.
collectible in the same manner as town taxes or by' suit at law. (Res." March 28,1967,sec. 72.)
Special Assessments
l9-73.
Section Porvers.
The tou,n shall have the porver to levy and collect taxes in the forn of special assessments
upon property in a limited and determiuable area for special benefits contbrred upon such property
b,v the installation, or construction. of u'ater mains. sanitarv sewer main. st6rm r"at., ,.rr.rs. curbs,
and -{utters and b1" the construction. and paving of public rrya}'s and siden alks or pafts thereof. a'd
tcl provide for the payment of all or any paft of the above prcrjects out of the proceeds of such
special assessment. The cost ol'anv project to be paid in whole or in part by special assessments,
ma.v include the direct cost thereof. the cost of any land acquired fiorn the prolect. the interest on
bonds. notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued in anticipation of tl-re cbllection of special
assessments, a reasonable charge for the seruices of the administrative staff of the torvn. and anv
2l
Charter of tlre To*,n of Queenstorvn
Republished Decernbe r. 20 17

MUNICIPAL C'HARTER OF QUEENSI'OWN
other itern of cost rvhich ma)' reasonabli,' be atrributed to the project. (Res., March 28. 1967. sec.
73.\
l9-74.
Section Procedr.rre.
(a) Established. The procedure for special assessments- rvherever authorized in this
charter. shall be as follows:
(b) Clost. The cost ofthe project being charged for shall be assessed according to the front
foor rule of apportionment or some other equitable basis detennined by the Cotlmission.
(c) Assessnrent. The amount assessed against any'propeft-v for any'' project or improvement
shall not erceecl the value of the benefits acc,ruing to tlie propert)"theretrom, nor shall an,v special
assessment levied b,v the toil.'n and outstanding against an)' propert)' at all-Y time. exclusive of
delinquept installments. exceed fiftl'percentum (50%) of the fair market value of the propert,v after
giving effect to the benefits ac,cruing thereto frclm the projects or improvements tbl u'hich assessed.
(d) Classes. When desirable. the affected propert,v rnay be divided into different classes
to be charged dilI'erent rates. but. exc'ept fbr this. anv rate slrall be unifbrm.
(e) Ler',vl norice; hearing. All special assessrnent charges shall be levied b.v the
Commission bl. ordinance. Before levf ing an-v special assessnrenl charges. rhe Colnmission shall
hold a pu$lic hearing. The Clerk-Treasurel' shall cause notice to be given stating the nature and
extent of th. proposed project. the kind of materials to be used, the estimated cost of the project.
the portion of the cost to be assessed, the number of insrallments in rvhich the assessment nral'be
paid, the method to Lre used in apportioning the cost the limits o1'the proposed area of assessment.
The notice shall also state the time and place at u,hich all persons interested, or their agents or
attorne),s, tna), appear befbre the Conrmission and be heard concerninq tlte proposed project and
special assetr*rnt. Such notice shall be given b,v sending a cop-v thereof b1'mailto the owner of
ricord of each parcel of propert-v proposed to be assessed and to the person in whose name the
property is assissed for taration and by publioation of a copy' of the notice at least once in a
n..rtpup.r o{'general circulation in the torvn. The Clerk-Treasurer sl'rall present at the hearing a
c,ertificate of publication and nrailing of copies of the notice, u,hich certificrate shall be deemed
pr6of gl. notiie. but failure of any owler to receive the nrailed copl'' shall not invalidate tl're
proceedings. The date of hearing shall be set at least ten and not more than 30 da.vs alier the Clerk-
lreasurer shall have completed publication and service of notice as provided in this sectiotl.
Follorving the hearing the Cclmmissictn. in its discretiott. may vote to proceed rvith the project and
ma.v lev1" the special assessment.
(l) Appeals. An-v interested person fbeling aggrieved by" the lev.ving of an,r'' special
assessmentt und"r tlre provisions of this section shall have the right to appeal to the Circuit Court
of Queen Anne's Country rvithin thirty days after the levy'ing of any' assessn"lent by' the
Commission.
(g) Payment. Special assessments may be made pal"able in annual or lnore frequent
installments over such period ol'time, not to exceed 40 years. and in such manner as the
Charter of the Tortn of Queenstorvn
Republished December. 20 17

MUNICIPAL CHARTER OF QL]EENSTOWN
C'ommission may determine. T'he Commission shail determine on rvhat installments shall he due
and pay'able. lnterest may be charged in installrnents at the rate ro be detennined b-v the
Commission.
(h) Whelt overdue. All special assessment installments shall be overdue six months afler
the date on which thev beconre due and pavable. All special assessments shall be liens on the
property and all overdue special assessments shall be collected in the same Hanner as to$n taxes
or b-v suit at law.
(i) Collection. All special assessments shall be billed and collected bv the Clerk-Treasurer.
(Res.. March 28,1967, sec. 74.)
Ton'n Propertl'
19-75.
Section Acsuisition: nossession:disposal.
The torvn may' acquire real" personal, or mixed propert-v lbr anv public purpose
b1,
purchase. gift. trequest. devise. Iease. condemnation or othenvise and ma1,- sell. lease, or othenvise
dispose o1'an1'properly'bek:nging to rhe bivn. All munic,ipal propert-y. l'unds. and fianchises r;f
every"kind belonging to or in the possession o{'the tou'n (by r.vhatever prior name knor.r,n) at the
time this chafter become effective are vested in the tom,. subiect to the ternrs and conditions
thereol'. (Res., lr4arc,h 28" 1967. sec. 75.)
l9-76.
Sectiorr Condemnationporvers_
The torvn shall have the poruver to condemn properll' o1'any kind, or interest therein or
franchise connected therer.r'ith. in fee or as an easernent. within the corporate lirnits of the tolvn,
l'or any' public plupose. Any activity.'. pro.iect, or improvenrent authorized by the provisions of this
charter or ally other State lau,applicable to the torvn shall be deemed to be a public purpose. The
rranner of procedure in case of an1.'condemnation proceedings shall be that established in Article
33A o{'the "Amotated Code of the Public General Larrys o{'Maryland." title "Eminent Domain."
(Res.. March 28. 1967 - sec. 76.)
l9-77. 'l'onn
Section buildings.
The town shall have the porver to acquire, to obtain by lease or rent. to purchase. coustruct.
operate and maintain all buildinss and structures it deems necessar,v ftrr the operation of the town
govenlment. (Res.. N4arch 28. 1967, sec.77 .l
The torvn shall have the pon'er to do rvhatever may' be necessar)'to protect rown propeny
and to keep all town property in good condition. (Res.. l\,larch 2g- 1967. sec. 78.)
Section 19-784. Historical Fund.
Charler of the Torl,n of Queenstorvn
Republished Decembe r ^ 20 17

MUNICIPAL CHARTER OF QLIEENS OWN
The torvn shall have the authority to establish a fund for the maintenance, care- upkeep and
improvement of the Queenstown Courthcluse propert-v or other historical properties that rnay' be
acquired b,v the torvn: this fund shall be separate and apart from other funds of the tou.'n and all
principal and income therefrom shall be expended solely' for the pulposes stated above. (Res.. 5-
r 5-83.)
General Provisions
Section 19-79. Oath of Office.
(a) Text. Beibre enterins upon the duties of'theiro{fices. the Commissioners, shall take
"1.
the following oath or affirmation: ......., do su,ear (or afilrm. as the
case may be). that I i.vill support the Constitution of the United States: and that I rvill be faithful
and bear true allegiance to the Stale o{'l\,{ary,'land. and support the constitution and laws thereol';
and that I will. to the best of m1, skill and judgment. diligentl.v and faithfull5.". rvitliout partialit)' or
prejudice. execute the office of Clommissioner of Queenstorvtr. according to the constitr.rtion and
lau,'s ol' this State."'
(b) Horl to take. The Conrmissioners shall each take this oath or a{lirmation bet-ore a
notar)' public or other oll'icer authorized to administer oaths in the State of \4ary'larrd. who shall
cer{if,v to the Clerk-Treasurer that such oath has been administered, rvhich certif-rcation shall be
filedandrecordedinthejournal ol'theproceedingsol'saidConrmission. (Res..N4arch28.1967.
sec. 79.)
Sectionl9-80. Sur:et)'btlnds.
Such officers or emplol,-ees of the town as the Cornmission or this charter rnay' require shall
execute a bond in such amoLlnt. wirh suc,h surety' and rvith such conditions as nral'be required by'
the Conrrnission. The premiums on such bonds shall be paid by the torvn. (Res., lr4arch 28.1967.
sec. 80.)
l9-81.
Section Prior rights and obligations.
All righr. title and interest held by.' the town or ar'lv other person or corporation at the tin,e
this charter is adopted. in and to an1.'lien acquired under an1,'prior charter of tlre town, are herebl"
presen'ed for the holder in all respects as if this cha(er had not been adopted, together with all
rights and remedies in relation thereto. This charter shall not discharge, ilnpair. or release an,v
contract. obligation, dut,v, liabilit,v, or penalty rvhatever existing at the time this charter becomes
effective. All suits and actious, both civil and oriminal. pending. or which may' hereafter be
instituted for causes of action norv existing or offenses alreadl,' committed against any larv or
ordinance repealed by this chafter" and shall be instituted" proceeded u,ith, and prosecuted to final
detemination and judgment as if this charterhad not become effective. (Res., Ir4arch 28,1967.
sec. 8l.)
Sectionl9-82. Misdemeanors.
24
Charter o{'the Torvn of Queenstorvn
Republished December 20 17
"

\4 UNICIPAL CHARTER OF QLJEENSTO\\iN
Every act or onlission *'hich. by'ordinance- is made a misdemeanor under the authority.'of
this charter. unless otherq,ise provided shall be punishable upon conviction before any, judge o{'
the District Court or in tlre Circuit Court for tlre countl,'rvithin rvhich the offense is committed b.v
a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars (S100.00) or implisonment for thi*y dai.,'s in tlre coulnt,v
jail. or botlr" in the discretion of the court or judge of the District Coun. The part,v aggrieved shall
have the right to appeal as is noq' provided under the general larvs of the State. Where the act or
omission is of a continuing nature and is persisted in a conviction for one offense shall not be a
bar to a convictiott ltlr a colttinuation of the r:{Ibnse subsequent to the first or an1,' succeeding
eonviction. (Res.. l\,larch 28.1967" sec. 82.)
l9-83.
Section Effect o{'charter on exiting ordinances.
(a) Not in conflict. All ordinances. resoluticlns. rules" and regulations in effect in rlre tor.vn
at the time this charter becomes efl"ective u,hich are not in conf'lict with the proi,isions ol'this
chafter shall remain in effect until changed or repealed accordins to the provisions of this cha$er.
(b) In conflict. All ordinances" resolutions- rules. and regularions in effbct in the town at
the time this clrarter beconres ef'fective r.r,hich are in conflict rvith the provisions of this charter be
and the same hereb,r, are r:epealed to the extent of such conflict. (Res.. March ?9. 1967. sec. g3.)
Sectionl9-84.
Separability'.
Il'any section clr part o1'section o1'this charter shall be held invalid lry a court of competent
jurisdiction. such holding shall not affect the rernainder of this clrarter nor rhe conrext in ivhich
suclt sectiotr or part of section so held invalid shall appear, except to the extent that an entire section
orpart o1'section ma-v be inseparabl;,'connected in meaning and ell'ect with the section orpaft o{,
section to rvhich such holding shall directl,v apply,. (Res., March zg, 1967. sec. g4.)
25
Charter of the Tonn of Queenstorvn
Republished Decembe r. 20 17

Charter of the Town of Queenstown lzt -27
NOTES
( I ) The charter of Queenstown was revised by the Resolution of March 28, 1967 .
The prior charter was in secs. 323-353 of the 1930 Code. Before 1967 , other amendments
to the earlier charter were made by ch. 774 of 1939, involving secs. 325,328,3284,330,343,
343A,3534, 353B, 353C, 353D, and 353E.
Ch.247 of 1943 validated the purchase by Queenstown of the "Queen Theatre Property"
and authorized the sale of the property.
Also, ch. 341 of 1939 added sec. 353F to the old charter, concerning the water system; and
ch.772 of 1939 added new sec. 353H to the old charter, concerning the disposal of sewage.
Ch. 102, 1935, authorized Queenstown to borrow $15,000 for a fire prevention system and
engine house. The Act of 1935 was amended by ch. 12 of the Acts of the Special Session of 1936.
(2)
The resolution of June I,1971, had this preamble:
"WHEREAS, on November 15, 1970, there was formally presented to the Commissioners
of the Town of Queenstown, a written petition signed by owners of 25 per cent of the assessed
valuation of the real property located in the areas to be annexed and by 25 per cent of the persons,
who reside in the areas to be annexed and who are voters in Queen Anne's County elections in the
precinct in which the areas to be annexed are located, requesting and consenting to the annexation,
and
"WHEREAS, the President of the Commissioners of Queenstown has caused to be made a
verification of the signatures on said petitions, and has ascertained that the persons signing the
petitions represented at least 25 per cent of the persons who reside in the areas to be annexed and
who are registered voters in Queen Anne's County elections in the precinct in which the territory
so requested to be annexed is located, and that the assessment records of Queen Anne's County
show that the signers are owners of at least 25 per cent of the assessed valuation of the real property
located in the areas to be annexed."
(3)
Thus in the Resolution of March28,1967.
(4)
Thus in the original.
(5)
Repealed.
(6)
The cross reference in the Resolution of March 28, 1967, was to sec. 44 of the
charter. It probably should have been to sec. 43, which is sec. 1943 in this Code.
(7)
Resolution 06-108, effective February 2, 2007, provided for the annexation of
809.564 acres of land, more or less. Resolution l4-10i, effective November 8,2014, provided
forthe annexation of 148.212 acres of land. more orless. Resolution l8-102. effective October
(revlsed 1I/19)

tzt -28 Municipal Charters of Maryland
n
6,2018, provided for the annexation of 200.552 acres of land, more or less. These resolutions ,
however, failed to provide for a change in the boundary description contained in this Charter.
Accordingly, these annexations are simply noted pursuant to the municipal general powers sections
of this Charter.
(revised l1/19)