S.C. Code § 4-8-10
As used in this chapter, "special purpose district" means any district created by an act of the General Assembly or pursuant to general law and which provides any local governmental service or function including, but not limited to, fire protection, sewerage treatment, water distribution, and recreation. "Special purpose district" also means any rural community water district authorized or created under the provisions of Chapter 13 of Title 6. Special purpose district does not include any state agency, department, or commission.
S.C. Code § 4-8-10
1992 Act No. 319, Section 1 effective April 8, 1992, reads as follows:
"SECTION 1. It is the legislative intent and purpose of this chapter to provide a means for the consolidation of the governmental and corporate functions now vested in municipal corporations and other political subdivisions and with the governmental and corporate functions now vested in the counties in which these municipal corporations and other political subdivisions are located, and to provide a method for the creation of consolidated governments which may be used to fulfill the unique needs and demands in various county areas. This chapter is provided as enabling legislation to be liberally construed as a utilization of the constitutional power granted by Section 12 of Article VIII of the Constitution of South Carolina, 1895."