Special Districts
Contents
Summary
Special districts, also known as special-purpose districts or special district governments, are independent state governmental units that are created for a distinct purpose or function. They typically maintain administrative and fiscal independence from general purpose government bodies [1]. This distinction excludes school districts as defined by the US Census Bureau [1]. California has over 2,100 special districts [2]. The majority of special districts in California perform a single operation, such as sewage treatment, water delivery, fire protection, or pest control [3]. However, some districts, such as community service districts, provide multiple services [3]. The Pebble Beach Community Services District (PBCSD) is an example of a community service district, as it provides fire protection, emergency medical services, supplemental law enforcement, wastewater treatment, recycled water distribution, and garbage disposal [4].
History
The first special district in California was the Turlock Irrigation District, created in 1887 under the authority of the Wright Act to deliver water to farmers in Stanislaus County and the San Joaquin Valley [5]. The creation of new special districts was often linked to real estate development, as population growth increased the demand for localized services. Prior to 1950, water and irrigation districts were primarily in Northern and Central California. After 1950, special water districts were created throughout Southern California to meet the growing demands of suburbs [5].
Legal Authority
In California, special districts operate under the authority of a principal act or a special act [5]. Principal acts are generic statutes that apply to all special districts of a given type. Principal acts authorize many types of districts, including California Water Districts, such as the Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) [6]. Special acts authorize special districts that do not fit with the conditions of a principal act, often as a result of regionality, characteristics of the governing board, financing concerns, or the provision of unique services [5]. The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) is an example of a special district authorized by a special act [7].
Funding
Notable Special Districts of the Central Coast
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Population of Interest - Special Districts
- ↑ It's About Quality, Not Quantity - Special Districts Facts Sheet
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Special Districts
- ↑ About Us - Pebble Beach Community Services District
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 What's So Special About Special Districts?
- ↑ Special Districts Report 2011-2012
- ↑ Comprehensive Overview of Types of Special Districts
Disclaimer
This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.
