§ 701. Definitions. As used in this article the following terms shall
mean or include:

1. "Annexation." An alteration of the boundaries of a county, city,
town or village which has the effect of adding territory to it. Such
term shall not include the creation or dissolution of a county, city,
town or village, or the consolidation of two or more counties, two or
more cities, two or more towns or two or more villages, respectively, or
the diminution of the area of a village pursuant to section 18-1804 of
the village law.

2. "Governing board." The board of supervisors, board of aldermen,
common council, council, commission, town board, board of trustees or
other elective board or body of a local government now or hereafter
vested by state statute, charter or other law with jurisdiction to
initiate and enact ordinances or local laws, whether or not such
ordinances or local laws require the approval of any other official or
body to become effective.

3. "Local government." A city, a town, a village, or a county not
wholly included within a city where a boundary of the county would be
affected by a proposed annexation of territory.