Most perform a single function, but in some instances, their enabling legislation allows them to provide several, usually related, types of services.
The services provided by these districts range from such basic social needs as hospitals and fire protection, to the less conspicuous tasks of mosquito abatement and upkeep of cemeteries.
Each state description also lists various statutory authorities, commissions, corporations, and other forms of organizations that have certain governmental characteristics, but are subject by law to administrative or fiscal control by the state or by independent local governments; therefore, they are classified as subordinate agencies of those governments.
Special districts serve limited areas and have governing boards that accomplish legislatively assigned functions using public funds.
In the New England states, special districts are often run in the same town meeting fashion as other local governments.
Special districts perform many functions including airports, ports, highways, mass transit, parking facilities, fire protection, libraries, parks, cemeteries, hospitals, irrigation, conservation, sewerage, wastewater treatment, solid waste, fiber optic systems, stadiums, water supply, electric power, and natural gas utility.
[11][12][13] The landmark case of the U.S. Supreme Court addressing public versus private charters was Dartmouth College v. Woodward in 1819.
[14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Special districts possess some form of civil office, that is, the board has received a delegation of sovereign power from the state.
[22][23] Private entities may appoint some or all of the members of a special district;[24][25][26] however, there must be evidence of civil office.
[36] The U.S. Census Bureau began identifying and collecting data on special districts in 1942.
The state of Illinois leads the nation in the number of special districts with California close behind.