Facts You Need to Know About Special Districts

 

Special districts in North Carolina are service providers created by local authorities and they operate within the defined areas. They act in response to public demands. In most cases, the districts provide a single service such as transportation, education, cemeteries or fire protection. The districts are used for ongoing service provisions such as street lighting, storm drainage, park maintenance and more.

The districts have a lot of the same governing powers as counties, states, and cities. They can employ workers, enter into contracts and acquire real property through eminent domain. Districts in The United States of America can also impose taxes, issue debt, levy assessments and even charge for the services they provide. Just like other governments, districts can be sued and sue. They can also adopt a seal and alter it at will.

Single function districts

Single function special districts include school building authorities, hospitals, libraries, highways, fire protection, flood control, drainage, sewerage, irrigation, water supply, solid waste management, mosquito abatement and more. They are the most common type.

Multifunctional districts

These types of districts govern recreation and parks, industrial development and mortgage credit, community development, natural resources and water supply among others.

Enterprise districts

These types of districts include water, gas, and electrical utilities. This type of district charges customers by the quantity they consume rather than taxing all the recipients. Sometimes nonenterprise districts charge service fees or use fees, which are minor sources of revenue. However, nonenterprise districts rely on property taxation and other types of taxes such as sales taxes. The most common services provided by non-enterprise districts include libraries, fire protection and police protection.

Independent districts

Independent special districts North Carolina have their own boards of directors elected by voters for fixed periods. Governing boards vary in membership depending on the nature and size of the district. Larger independent districts have a professional manager to assist board managers.

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