The term "local governing authority" as used in this article means:

            (1)      When referring to executive action, the board of county commissioners of a county not having a charter form of government, the highest executive authority of a county having a charter form of government, and in Baltimore City the Mayor;

            (2)      If referring to purely legislative authority, the board of county commissioners in a county not having a charter form of government, the county council in a county having a charter form of government, and in Baltimore City the City Council;

            (3)      In referring to combined executive and legislative power, the board of county commissioners in a county not having a charter form of government, the county council and the highest executive authority in a county having a charter form of government, and in Baltimore City the Mayor and the City Council.