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.