Advantages and disadvantages of special districts that you need to know

When it comes to a debate about special districts in California, different people have different opinions. Some people think that special districts do not have any benefits while others say they have a lot of benefits. It is awkward to enter into such arguments without enough facts. Before you make your mind and give your opinion about this matter, consider the following advantages and disadvantages of special districts.

Advantages

Special districts tailor services to the demands of the citizens

Counties and cities should protect the health, welfare and safety of their residents thus, must provide a lot of services, regardless of the demands of the citizens. However, special districts only provide services that the community desires. For example, if a certain area has poor sewerage systems, special districts will provide that service.

Special districts link costs to benefits

Counties and cities levy general taxes to pay for public services. The taxpayers receive services that aren’t directly related to the amount of taxes they pay. When it comes to special districts, only people who pay for certain services benefit from them. those who do not pay do not benefit.

Special districts are usually responsive to their constituents

Most special districts are usually geographically smaller and they have fewer residents compared to cities and counties. This means that they can be more responsive to constituents. It can be very effective for small groups of citizens to influence the decisions of special districts. So, if you are still wondering what is a special district and its benefits, then those are the main benefits.

Disadvantages

Sometimes special districts can lead to inefficiency

A lot of special districts provide the same type of services that counties and cities provide. This means that there will be overlapping jurisdictions that can create conflict and competition between special districts. It is also possible to have conflicts between general-purpose governments and special districts. Additionally, when communities incorporate, some LFCOs fail to have special districts that exist within the city boundaries dissolved and this can result in duplication of services which leads to wastage of resources.

Special districts can pose a hindrance to regional planning

when there are numerous special districts in one region, it can hamper various planning efforts. E.g., it can be hard to organize various sewer and water services in one region to provide equitable services for residents. Because about two-thirds of special districts have independent boards that govern them, there is not a single agency that can guarantee effort coordination.

Special districts can reduce accountability

Limited purpose special districts California multiplicity can make it difficult for citizens to gather the necessary information. Different special districts may provide sewer, water, library, parks and fire protection services to the same community. Residents in that area have a hard time knowing who is in charge and who is not. The technical and narrow nature of special districts’ activities often results in districts with low visibility until in times of a crisis. Elections in special districts have low voter turnout although some people view low voter turnout as an indication of voter satisfaction.