Md. Code, Local Government § 4–213

(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the county commissioners or

county council shall pay for:

(1) the referendum;

(2) the original election of officers required under § 4–210 of this

subtitle; and

(3) the reasonable costs of third party consultants hired by the county

commissioners or county council to analyze issues related to the proposed

incorporation.

(b) If the referendum results in incorporation, the municipality shall repay

the expenses specified in subsection (a) of this section to the county within 1 year

after the incorporation takes effect.

(c) After 1 year from the effective date of the incorporation, the county

commissioners or county council may withhold any payment due to the municipality

to satisfy any unpaid expense specified in subsection (a) of this section.