§ 750. Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

1. "Component local government entity" shall mean a local government entity that, as a result of successful consolidation proceedings, is combined into a consolidated local government entity.

2. "Consolidation" shall mean either (a) the combination of two or more local government entities resulting in the termination of the existence of each of the entities to be consolidated and the creation of a new entity which assumes jurisdiction over all of the terminated entities, or (b) the combination of two or more local government entities resulting in the termination of the existence of all but one of the entities which shall absorb the terminated entity or entities.

3. "Consolidated local government entity" shall mean a local government entity resulting from successful consolidation proceedings conducted pursuant to this article.

4. "Contiguous" shall mean when a portion of a town or village abuts the boundary of another town or village, including a town or village separated from the exact boundary of another town or village by a street, road, railroad, highway, river or other natural or artificial stream or body of water.

5. "Dissolution" shall mean the termination of the existence of a local government entity.

6. "Dissolution plan" shall mean a written document that contains terms and information regarding the dissolution of a local government entity and that has been finalized and approved by such entity's governing body pursuant to this article.

7. "Elector" shall mean a registered voter of this state registered to vote in the local government entity subject to consolidation or dissolution proceedings conducted pursuant to this article.

8. "Elector initiated consolidation plan" shall mean a written document that contains terms and information regarding the consolidation of two or more local government entities, a majority of whose electors have voted to consolidate, and that has been finalized and approved by the governing body or bodies of such entities or a judicial hearing officer pursuant to this article.

9. "Elector initiated dissolution plan" shall mean a written document that contains terms and information regarding the dissolution of a local government entity, a majority of whose electors have voted to dissolve, that has been finalized and approved by such entity's governing body or a judicial hearing officer pursuant to this article.

10. "Governing body" shall mean the body in which the general legislative, governmental and/or public powers of a local government entity are vested and by authority of which the official business of such entity is conducted.

11. "Initiative" shall mean the filing of the petition containing a proposal for a referendum to be placed on the ballot for an election.

12. "Joint consolidation agreement" shall mean a written document that contains terms and information regarding the consolidation of two or more local government entities and that has been finalized and approved by the governing body or bodies of such entities pursuant to this article.

13. "Local government entity" or "entity" shall mean a town, village, district, special improvement district or other improvement district, including, but not limited to, special districts created pursuant to articles eleven, twelve, twelve-A or thirteen of the town law, library districts, and other districts created by law; provided, however, that a local government entity shall not include school districts, city districts or special purpose districts created by counties under county law.

14. "Proposed dissolution plan" shall mean a written document that contains terms and information regarding the dissolution of a local government entity, and that has been proposed, but not yet finalized and approved, by such entity's governing body pursuant to this article.

15. "Proposed elector initiated consolidation plan" shall mean a written document that contains terms and information regarding the consolidation of two or more local government entities, a majority of whose respective electors have voted to consolidate such entities, that has been proposed, but not yet finalized and approved, by the governing body or bodies of such entities pursuant to this article.

16. "Proposed elector initiated dissolution plan" shall mean a written document that contains terms and information regarding the dissolution of a local government entity, a majority of whose electors have voted to dissolve such entity, and that has been proposed, but not yet finalized and approved, by such entity's governing body pursuant to this article.

17. "Proposed joint consolidation agreement" shall mean a written document that contains terms and information regarding the consolidation of two or more local government entities and that has been proposed, but not yet finalized and approved, by such entities' governing body or bodies pursuant to this article.

18. "Referendum" shall mean a vote seeking approval by a majority of electors of a local government entity or entities voting on a question of consolidation or dissolution placed on the ballot by initiative.