What defines a general obligation debt in the context of special assessments?

A general obligation debt, in the context of special assessments, is defined as debt that is backed by the full faith and credit of a governmental entity and can be repaid from various sources, including general revenues. This means that even though the debt may be associated with a specific project, the obligation to repay it is not solely dependent on the revenue generated from that project.

In this case, the choice identifying debt partially repaid from general revenues is accurate because it reflects that the government can use funds from its broader revenue sources—such as taxes or other general income—to cover the repayment obligations. This characteristic allows for a more flexible financial structure, accommodating broader fiscal responsibilities and resource allocations.

In contrast, debts specifically tied to special assessments are expected to be fully repaid through those assessments and are usually not supported by general revenues, making it clear why the other options do not hold the same definition. This distinction is crucial in public finance, where the classification of debts can impact budgeting and financial planning for governmental entities.