(a)      Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, county commissioners shall meet in their respective counties within 60 days after their election and qualify by taking the oaths required by law, and shall meet at least once a quarter, and more often if the necessities of the county in their judgment require.

      (b)      (1)      The County Commissioners of St. Mary's County shall take office on the first Monday in December following their election; and

            (2)      Shall meet at least 48 times a year, in accordance with the St. Mary's County Open Meetings Act.