§ 159‑44.  Definitions.

The words and phrases defined in this section shall have the meanings indicated when used in this Article, unless the context clearly requires another meaning:

(1) "Finance officer" means the officer performing the duties of finance officer of a unit of local government pursuant to G.S. 159‑24 of the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act.

(2) "Governing board" or "board" means the governing body of a unit of local government.

(3) "Sinking fund" means a fund held for the retirement of term bonds.

(4) "Unit," "unit of local government," or "local government" means counties; cities, towns, and incorporated villages; consolidated city‑counties, as defined by G.S. 160B‑2(1); sanitary districts; mosquito control districts; hospital districts; merged school administrative units described in G.S. 115C‑513; metropolitan sewerage districts; metropolitan water districts; metropolitan water and sewerage districts; county water and sewer districts; regional public transportation authorities; and special airport districts.

(5) "Utility or public service enterprise" includes:

a. Electric power transmission and distribution systems;

b. Water supply facilities and distribution systems;

c. Sewage collection and disposal systems;

d. Gas transmission and distribution systems;

e. Public transportation systems, including but not limited to bus lines, ferries, and mass transit systems;

f. Solid waste collection and disposal systems and facilities;

g. Cable television systems;

h. Off‑street parking facilities and systems;

i. Public auditoriums, coliseums, stadiums and convention centers;

j. Airport;

k. Hospitals and other health‑related facilities; and

l. Structural and natural stormwater and drainage systems of all types. (1971, c. 780, s. 1; 1973, c. 494, s. 3; 1977, c. 466, s. 2; 1979, c. 727, s. 2; 1989, c. 643, s. 3; c. 740, s. 3; 1991, c. 325, s. 4; 1995, c. 461, s. 10; 1997‑456, s. 27; 2013‑50, s. 3.)