A city, county, or other political subdivision may become a debtor under chapter nine of the federal bankruptcy code, 11 U.S.C. § 901 et seq., if it is rendered insolvent, as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101(32)(c), as a result of a debt involuntarily incurred. As used herein, “debt” means an obligation to pay money, other than pursuant to a valid and binding collective bargaining agreement or previously authorized bond issue, as to which the governing body of the city, county, or other political subdivision has made a specific finding set forth in a duly adopted resolution of each of the following:
 1. That all or a portion of such obligation will not be paid from available insurance proceeds and must be paid from an increase in general tax levy.

Terms Used In Iowa Code 76.16A

  • Bankruptcy: Refers to statutes and judicial proceedings involving persons or businesses that cannot pay their debts and seek the assistance of the court in getting a fresh start. Under the protection of the bankruptcy court, debtors may discharge their debts, perhaps by paying a portion of each debt. Bankruptcy judges preside over these proceedings.
  • following: when used by way of reference to a chapter or other part of a statute mean the next preceding or next following chapter or other part. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • Obligation: An order placed, contract awarded, service received, or similar transaction during a given period that will require payments during the same or a future period.
 2. That such increase in the general tax levy will result in a severe, adverse impact on the ability of the city, county, or political subdivision to exercise the powers granted to it under applicable law, including without limitation providing necessary services and promoting economic development.
 3. That as a result of such obligation, the city, county, or other political subdivision is unable to pay its debts as they become due.
 4. That the debt is not an obligation to pay money to a city, county, entity organized pursuant to chapter 28E, or other political subdivision.
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