As used in this article, the term:

(1) "Junior college" means a community educational institution constructed and operated by a local operating authority which shall offer a course of study extending beyond the high school level providing either preparation for further college or completion of education, or both, provided that an institution which otherwise would fall under this definition shall not be excluded solely because it offers courses below a college level if such courses are strictly remedial in nature.

(2) "Local operating authority" means any city, county, county school system, independent school system, or other political subdivision of the state created for college purposes and possessing the power to tax, which shall possess requisite powers under the Constitution and laws of this state to establish a college, or any combination of two or more of the political subdivisions enumerated in this paragraph which may be authorized under law to utilize the provisions of this article.