For the purposes of this section and §§ 50-6A-43 to 50-6A-51, inclusive, unless otherwise qualified:
(1) The term "public agency" includes any subdivision or authority, as defined in this chapter, any agency of the state government or of the United States, and any municipality, political subdivision or agency of an adjoining state; and
(2) The term "governing body" includes commissioners of an authority, the governing body of a subdivision, and the head of an agency of a state or the United States if the public agency is other than an authority or subdivision.