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.