---
title: Glossary of terms | MSU Extension Local Government Center
description: Plain‑English definitions of common local government, legal, and financial terms used in Montana public service.
---

[Skip to content](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/glossary-of-terms#main-content)

English

Show submenu for translations

[More support](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new) [Ticket System Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view)

[![LGC Color-1](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/LGC%20Color-1.png?width=100&height=100&name=LGC%20Color-1.png)](https://www.montana.edu/extension/localgov/index.html)

- [Submit a Ticket](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new)
- [View Tickets](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view)
- [Subscribers Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view?hsLang=en)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- [Submit a Ticket](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new)
- [View Tickets](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view)
- [Subscribers Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view?hsLang=en)
- English
  
  Show submenu for translations
- [More support](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/kb-tickets/new)
- [Ticket System Portal](https://lgc.montana.edu/tickets-view)
- [Request a Training](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2mMH41wA3QYGtjwc4OPWO3w)

[Request a Training](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2mMH41wA3QYGtjwc4OPWO3w)

 How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [MSU Extension Local Government Center](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base)
2. [Glossary of terms](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/glossary-of-terms)

# Glossary of terms

 Plain‑English definitions of common local government, legal, and financial terms used in Montana public service.

- [What are Federal and State  Discrimination Laws?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-federal-and-state-discrimination-laws)
- [What are Essential Functions?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-essential-functions)
- [What are Due Process Requirements?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-due-process-requirement)
- [What is Disincorporation?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-disincorporation)
- [What are Open Meetings Law?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-open-meetings-law)
- [What are Ordinances?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-ordinances)
- [What is the Authority to Adopt Ordinances and Resolution?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-authority-to-adopt-ordinances-and-resolution)
- [What is Conflict of Interest?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-conflict-of-interest)
- [What is the Council (Commission)?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-council-commission)
- [What are General Government Powers?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-general-government-powers)
- [What are Municipal Police Powers?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-municipal-police-powers)
- [What is Commission-Presiding Officer Form?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-commission-presiding-officer-form)
- [What is Town Meeting Government?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-town-meeting-government)
- [What is Commission- Presiding Officer?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-commission-presiding-officer)
- [What is Commission-Manager?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-commission-manager)
- [What are Special Improvement District (SID) Bonds?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-special-improvement-district-sid-bonds)
- [What are Public Accounting Principles?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-accounting-principles)
- [What is Local Government Basis of Accounting?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-basis-in-accounting)
- [What are Government Funds?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-government-funds)
- [What are Self Governing Powers?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-self-governing-powers)
- [What are General Powers?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-general-powers)
- [What is Charter Government?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-charter-government)
- [What are the Characteristics of a Municipality?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-the-characteristics-of-a-municipality)
- [What is the Town Meeting Form?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-town-meeting-form)
- [What is Commission- Manager Form?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-commission-manager-form)
- [What is Alteration by Citizen Petition (Popular Initiative)?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-alteration-by-citizen-petition-popular-initiative)
- [What are Governing Powers?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-governing-powers)
- [What is the Definition of Officers?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-definition-of-officers)
- [What are Local Courts of Limited Jurisdiction?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-local-courts-of-limited-jurisdiction)
- [What are Municipal Courts?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-municipal-courts)
- [What is a Job Description?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-a-job-description)
- [What are the Types of Background Checks?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-the-types-of-background-checks)
- [What are Unfair Labour practices?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-unfair-labour-practices)
- [What is Union Representation?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-union-representation)
- [What is The Montana Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-montana-wrongful-discharge-from-employment-act)
- [What is Constructive discharge?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-constructive-discharge)
- [What is the Grievance Process?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-grievance-process)
- [What is travel Time?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-travel-time)
- [What is MCA 50-71-114. Rulemaking – variances](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-mca-50-71-114.-rulemaking-variances)
- [What is MCA 50-71-116. Duties of public sector employers and public sector employees?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-mca-50-71-116.-duties-of-public-sector-employers-and-public-sector-employees)
- [What is MCA 39-71-1505 Rulemaking authority?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-mca-39-71-1505-rulemaking-authority)
- [What is a municipal budget?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-a-municipal-budget)
- [What is an annual budget?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-an-annual-budget)
- [Key Concepts in Municipal Budgeting: Appropriations, Fund Types, and Fiscal Planning](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/key-concepts-in-municipal-budgeting-appropriations-fund-types-and-fiscal-planning-)
- [What is Governmental Fund Accounting?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-governmental-fund-accounting)
- [What is the Purpose of Debt?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-purpose-of-debt)
- [What is Neighborhood Politics?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-neighborhood-politics)
- [What are Community Surveys?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-community-surveys)
- [What is  Federal Pre-emption?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-federal-pre-emption)
- [Who are the Decision Makers in Local Land Policy?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/who-are-the-decision-makers-in-local-land-policy)
- [What are Conditional Use Permits and Nonconforming Uses?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-conditional-use-permits-and-nonconforming-uses)
- [What is Interim Zoning?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-interim-zoning)
- [What are Minor Subdivisions?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-minor-subdivisions)
- [What are  Phased Subdivisions?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-phased-subdivisions)
- [What is Commission Executive?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-commission-executive)
- [What is a Self- Governing Charter?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-a-self-governing-charter)
- [What is the Definition of a Municipality?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-definition-of-a-municipality)
- [How are Forms of Local Government Defined?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/how-are-forms-of-government-defined)
- [What is the Commission Form?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-commission-form)
- [What is Commission- Executive (Council-Mayor) Form?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-commission-executive-council-mayor-form)
- [What is Charter Form?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-charter-form)
- [What is Alteration by Local Government Review?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-alteration-by-local-government-review)
- [What are Self- Government Powers?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-self-government-powers)
- [What are City and Municipal Courts?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-city-and-municipal-courts)
- [What are City Courts?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-city-courts)
- [What are Court Revenues?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-court-revenues)
- [What is the Chief Executive?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-chief-executive)
- [What is the Municipal Clerk?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-municipal-clerk)
- [What is the City Attorney?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-city-attorney)
- [What are the Department Heads?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-the-department-heads)
- [What are Boards and Commissions?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-boards-and-commissions)
- [What are Limits of Jurisdiction?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-limits-of-jurisdiction)
- [What are Standards of Conduct for Public Officials?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-standards-of-conduct-for-public-officials)
- [What are Common Municipal Definitions?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-common-municipal-definitions)
- [What are Resolutions?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-resolutions)
- [What is Public Decision Making?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-public-decision-making)
- [What is Public Participation Law?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-public-participation-law)
- [What are Rules of Order?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-rules-of-order)
- [What is Posting the Agenda?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-posting-the-agenda)
- [What are Public Hearing Requirements?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-public-hearing-requirements)
- [What are Ex Parte Communication by Council Members?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-ex-parte-communication-by-council-members)
- [What are minutes?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-minutes)
- [What are Public Hearing Minutes?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-public-hearing-minutes)
- [What are Electronic Communications?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-electronic-communications)
- [What is Veteran and Disability Preference?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-veteran-and-disability-preference)
- [What are Performance Evaluations?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-performance-evaluations)
- [What is a Probationary Period?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-a-probationary-period)
- [What is Progressive Discipline?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-progressive-discipline)
- [What is Workplace violence?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-workplace-violence-)
- [What is Discrimination in the Workplace?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-discrimination-in-the-workplace)
- [What is Harassment?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-harassment)
- [What are Minimum Wages and Hours?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-minimum-wages-and-hours)
- [What is Compensatory (Comp) time?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-compensatory-comp-time)
- [What are Exempt Staff?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-exempt-staff)
- [What are Payroll Deductions?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-payroll-deductions)
- [What are Child Labor Laws?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-child-labor-laws)
- [What are Other Benefits?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-other-benefits)
- [What are Personnel Files?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-personnel-files)
- [What is MCA 50-71-115. Applicability of Standards – exceptions](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-mca-50-71-115.-applicability-of-standards-exceptions)
- [What is MCA 50-71-11 Public sector employer records and reports](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-mca-50-71-11-public-sector-employer-records-and-reports)
- [What is ARM 24.30.102. Occupational Safety and Health Code for Public Sector Employment?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-arm-24.30.102.-occupational-safety-and-health-code-for-public-sector-employment)
- [What are Alternative Budgeting Strategies?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-alternative-budgeting-strategies)
- [What are General Obligation Bonds?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-general-obligation-bonds)
- [What are Revenue Bonds?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-revenue-bonds)
- [What are Bond ratings?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-bond-ratings)
- [What are Proprietary Funds?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-proprietary-funds)
- [What are Fiduciary Funds?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-fiduciary-funds)
- [What is Liability for False Claims?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-liability-for-false-claims)
- [What is an Auditor's Opinion?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-an-auditors-opinion)
- [What is the Importance of Financial Analysis?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-importance-of-financial-analysis)
- [What is Structural Balance?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-structural-balance)
- [What is Revenue Structure?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-revenue-structure)
- [What is Tax Structure?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-tax-structure)
- [What is Expenditure Structure?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-expenditure-structure)
- [What is the definition of Municipal Property?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-definition-of-municipal-property)
- [What are Interlocal Agreements to Acquire and Use Goods and Services?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-interlocal-agreements-to-acquire-and-use-goods-and-services)
- [What are Focus Groups?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-focus-groups-)
- [What is Police Power?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-police-power)
- [What are General and Self Governing Powers?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-general-and-self-governing-powers)
- [What are Montana Land Use Statutes?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-montana-land-use-statutes)
- [What are the Types of Zoning?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-the-types-of-zoning)
- [What is Local Authority and the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-local-authority-and-the-montana-subdivision-and-platting-act)
- [What is the Definition of Subdivision and Division of Land?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-is-the-definition-of-subdivision-and-division-of-land)
- [What are  Subdivision Exemptions?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-subdivision-exemptions)
- [What are Major Subdivisions?](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/what-are-major-subdivisions)

See less ▼

- [FAQs](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/faqs)
- [Process guides](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/process-guides)
- [White papers](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/white-papers#main-content)

    - [Voter Review](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/white-papers#voter-review)
- [Glossary of terms](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/glossary-of-terms)
- [Product or service descriptions](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/product-or-service-descriptions)
- [Online Courses](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/online-courses)

- [LGC Services and Pricing](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/knowledge-base/service-and-pricing)
- [Request a Training](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2mMH41wA3QYGtjwc4OPWO3w)
- [Ask the LGC Team a Question](https://40zxa7.share-na2.hsforms.com/2_ory1YLOQQe3qA3hzpNAkg)

[![LGC Color-2](https://www.lgc.montana.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/LGC%20Color-2.png?width=100&height=100&name=LGC%20Color-2.png "LGC Color-2")](https://www.montana.edu/extension/localgov/index.html)

Resources prepared by the MSU Extension Local Government Center are intended for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For interpretation or application of the law, please consult qualified legal counsel. The Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

Copyright © 2026