For the purposes of this division, the following terms have the following meanings:

1. (1) AUTHORIZING MUNICIPALITY. A municipality that authorized the organization of a board that is converted to a regional board pursuant to this division.
2. (2) BOARD. A board organized pursuant to the enabling statute.
3. (3) CONVERSION DATE. The date upon which a board is converted to a regional board pursuant to this division.
4. (4) ENABLING STATUTE. Divisions 1 through 3 of Article 8 of Chapter 50 of Title 11.
5. (5) ENGINEERING BACKGROUND. Capability as evidenced by an engineering degree from an accredited school of engineering and not less than five years experience in an engineering discipline.
6. (6) ETHICS ACT. Chapter 25 of Title 36.
7. (7) FINANCIAL BACKGROUND. Capability as evidenced by a successful career in banking or other field in which the candidate under consideration has demonstrated sound financial management skills in connection with long-term debt financing.
8. (8) GENERAL BUSINESS BACKGROUND. Well experienced in business affairs, whether related to private, public, or nonprofit entities, of the complexity of the operation of a water or sewer system.
9. (9) PRINCIPALLY LOCATED. With respect to the location of any authorizing municipality, the county where all or the largest portion of the territory of the authorizing municipality is located.
10. (10) REGIONAL BOARD. A board that meets the requirements of Section 11-50-300(a).
11. (11) SPONSORING MAYOR. The mayor of the authorizing municipality of a board that has been converted to a regional board pursuant to this division.

(Act 2025-297, §3.)