Understanding What a Special District in Texas in Not



Now that we have explained what special districts Texas are in our previous posts, it is time to explain what they are not. Let us look at a few things that people confuse with special purpose districts.
They are not state governments
Special purpose districts are local agencies. They deliver specific services to specific people or communities. They operate under state laws and are autonomous government entities. They are accountable to the landowners or voters they serve. However, state officials oversee special purpose districts. Districts must follow the state laws for bonded debt, special taxes, public hearings and elections.
They are not cities or county governments
Cities and counties are general-purpose governments. Cities and counties offer a broad array of services to protect the safety, health and welfare of citizens. On the other hand, special districts can provide only services that are allowed by state law. Sometimes county supervisors are special-purpose districts’ governing boards but the districts are separate local entities.
They are not school districts
Some people confuse special purpose districts to school districts but school districts provide one service and that is public education. Special purpose districts can deliver a variety of services excluding education. Special purpose districts rely on local revenues while school districts get their money from the state government.
They do not benefit assessment districts
Cities, counties, school districts and special purpose districts can create benefit assessment districts or Mello-roos act local community facilities districts to finance public services and public works. Mello-Roos districts are financing mechanisms but they don’t deliver services. Special service districts utilize these types of financing mechanisms to deliver public services.
They are not development agencies
Counties and cities set up community redevelopment agencies to get rid of blight by paying for private and public improvements. Special districts Texas don’t exist to get rid of blight. They provide public services that help communities.

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