§ 1.3-302. Legislative Powers and Duties.

 All legislative powers which may be exercised by the County under the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shall be vested in the Board, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Charter. The Board shall have, but not by way of limitation, the following powers:

   (a)  To enact, amend or repeal ordinances, resolutions, and motions not inconsistent with this Charter or the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

   (b)  To make appropriations, incur indebtedness, and adopt the budget.

   (c)  To levy taxes, assessments and service charges; provided, however, that except as otherwise required by law, the net costs of all general services rendered or made available by the County to the entire County shall be a charge against the entire County, and provided further that the net cost of all special services rendered or made available by the County only to one or more municipalities or special districts within this County shall be a charge only against such municipalities or special districts or the taxpayers or taxable property thereof.

   (d)  To adopt and amend by ordinance an administrative code which shall set forth in detail a plan for organization and administration of the County government not inconsistent with the provisions of this Charter.

   (e)  To adopt procedures, by ordinance, which shall provide for the purchasing of products, goods and services, the making of contracts, and the sale or lease of personal or real property of the County. Such procedures shall provide for negotiated contracts, competitive bidding, bidding procedures, assurance of controls on aggregate spending, and safeguards against special interests.

   (f)  To adopt a Personnel Code as required by Article IX of this Charter.

   (g)  In aid of its legislative powers and functions, to make, or cause to be made, as a body or through a committee thereof, such studies, audits, inquiries, and investigations relating to the affairs of the County and its government and to the conduct of any agency, officer, or employe, and in connection therewith, to obtain professional and technical advice; subpoena witnesses; administer oaths; and require the production of books, papers, and other evidence deemed necessary.

   (h)  To appoint or confirm, as the case may be, officers and employes as provided by this Charter, by ordinance, or by State law.

   (i)  To establish the salaries and wage levels of the County officers and employes, subject to the provisions of Article IX of this Charter.

   (j)  To establish, combine, or abolish, by ordinance, agencies and the powers and duties thereof, except for agencies prescribed by this Charter or by law and voluntary advisory boards established by the County Executive under §  1.4-402(k).

   (k)  To receive and accept gifts or donations of real or personal property or interest therein in the name of the County.

   (l)  To acquire property by eminent domain for any necessary public purpose.

   (m)  To make provisions for any matters of County Government not otherwise provided for, including, but not restricted to, any matter involving health, safety, and welfare.