2025 Session Last amended: 2008 session

§ 475.51 — Definitions

Plain-Language Summary

This section defines key terms used throughout the municipal debt chapter. It explains what counts as a 'municipality' (city, county, town, or school district), what an 'obligation' is (a promise to pay money), and how to calculate 'net debt' by subtracting certain types of debt from total debt. It also defines terms like 'governing body,' 'general obligations,' and 'debt service fund.'

Practical Notes
Understanding these definitions is essential for anyone working with municipal bonds in Minnesota. The net debt calculation is especially important because it determines whether a municipality has reached its borrowing limit. Many types of bonds, like special assessment bonds and revenue bonds, are excluded from net debt.