§ 7-4. Powers and functions of Authority.

The Authority shall:

(1) not be or constitute or be deemed an agency of the City or the State of Maryland;

(2) to the greatest extent allowable by law, be deemed a special taxing district, and therefore a governmental body, both politic and corporate, exercising only such powers as are provided for in this subtitle;

(3) not exercise any power specifically withheld by the terms of either the Enabling Legislation {Article II, § (63) of the City Charter (1996 Edition)}, or if more restrictive, this subtitle. However, the powers of the Authority shall be broadly interpreted in order to allow the Authority to achieve the goals of the Enabling Legislation, including the provision of supplementary security and maintenance services, the promotion and marketing of the District, and the provision of amenities in public areas;

(4) acquire, hold, and use both real and personal property necessary to achieve its purposes, including the acquisition by purchase, lease, or other means;

(5) engage the services of an administrator (the "Administrator"), which may be an individual or an entity, to administer the programs and undertakings of the Authority;

(6) sue and be sued, provided that the District, the Authority, its Board of Directors, and the Administrator shall benefit, to the fullest extent allowable by law, from any provisions of federal, state, and local law limiting the liability of employees, officers, agents, and officials of governmental bodies;

(7) accept grants;

(8) borrow funds for purposes consistent with the public purposes of the Authority, provided no borrowing shall be for a term beyond the date for renewal of the District under § 7-16 of this subtitle;

(9) adopt an annual budget and impose, charge, and collect the taxes or charges on benefitted properties within the District authorized by the Enabling Legislation and this subtitle; provided, however, that no taxes shall be levied against properties which are exempt under state law from ordinary property taxes;

(10) create and enter into partnerships between the Authority and various property owners otherwise exempt from ordinary property taxes, which partnerships may provide for the provision of permitted services and benefits by the Authority in exchange for payments arranged by contract, donation, gift, services in kind, or other mechanism by which funds or benefits are provided to the Authority;

(11) establish and elect such officers of the Board as are not specified in this subtitle and provide for their terms and duties;

(12) contract for and purchase goods and services, without being subject to Baltimore City requirements regarding wage scales, competitive bidding, or other local procurement laws, but nonetheless shall be subject to applicable ordinances regarding City policy on encouraging and achieving goals for minority and women's business enterprises participation in the contracting activities of the Authority;

(13) subject to the approval of the Board of Estimates, adopt, amend, and modify bylaws, consistent with the Enabling Legislation and this subtitle;

(14) implement the programs and goals of the Authority directly through employees, or through 1 or more contracts, which contracts can be with independent contractors or contractual employees;

(15) assist in the leasing, marketing, and promotional activities within the District, to the extent such activities are approved by the governing Board of the Authority;

(16) appoint, hire, or engage such auditors, accountants, attorneys, assistants, aides, employees, and advisors as may be deemed necessary for the proper performance of the duties of said Authority, but consistent with this subtitle; and

(17) do all other things necessary or convenient to carry out its goals, objectives, and powers.