1. The general roles and responsibilities of county government and how these roles and responsibilities compare to county governments in other states that are similar to Maine;

2. Ways that state and municipal government can take better advantage of the regional nature of county government regarding the providing of services to the taxpayers;

3. The geographic composition and boundaries of counties in this State compared to other states; and

4. Financing of county government; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That, upon approval of the Legislative Council, the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall provide necessary staffing services to the task force; and be it further

Sec. 7. Compensation. Resolved: That the legislative members of the task force are entitled to the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at meetings of the task force. Public members not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses for their attendance at authorized meetings of the task force; and be it further

Sec. 8. Report. Resolved: That the task force shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government and the Legislative Council by December 1, 2003. The task force is authorized to introduce legislation related to its report to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature at the time of submission of its report; and be it further

Sec. 9. Extension. Resolved: That, if the task force requires a limited extension of time to complete its study and make its report, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant an extension; and be it further

Sec. 10. Task force budget. Resolved: That the chairs of the task force, with assistance from the task force staff, shall administer the task force's budget. Within 10 days after its first meeting, the task force shall present a work plan and