The salary for a position of employment by the County shall be the
amount stated for the position in the County's budget or in the
County Charter or Code and may not be increased except 1) by amendment
thereof or 2) as may be required by applicable law or regulations
thereunder or authorized by a regulation or an agreement made or adopted
by the County Council for either the personnel system, generally,
or for specific personnel. A person who knowingly makes or authorizes
payment of County funds for salary in excess of that stated or properly
increased amount shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and subject to
a fine not to exceed $1,000. Such payment or authorization thereof
shall be grounds for removal by the Council from elected or other
County office or employment by the County pursuant to the procedure
for such removal provided elsewhere in this Code. This section reflects
the power of the governing body of the County under § 12-102
of the Local Government Article of the Maryland Code to determine
the compensation of the appointed officers and employees of the County.
Someone who knowingly makes or authorizes payment of County funds
for salary in violation of this section or who receives any salary
paid or provided in violation thereof shall be personally liable to
the County for such salary and the reasonable court costs and attorney's
fees to enforce that liability.