Section 13.2 Introduction

• Library: Local Government Deskbook (2017 Ed.)

A. (§13.2) Introduction

In Missouri, special purpose districts are entities of local government. They are creatures of statute and are established to provide particular services or for specific purposes. Special districts are not parts of other political subdivisions, although special district and political subdivision boundaries may be coextensive and can overlap. Special districts have independent corporate lives.

Missouri caselaw normally defines a special district as a public corporation. See Massey v. Howard, 240 S.W.2d 743, 745 (Mo. App. W.D. 1951). Public corporations are akin to municipalities, but in a broader sense. Page v. Metro. St....