What is the main purpose of special revenue funds?

The main purpose of special revenue funds is to account for revenues and expenditures that are legally restricted for specific purposes. This means that the money in these funds can only be used for activities designated by law or regulation, ensuring that it is allocated appropriately for those particular objectives. Special revenue funds are commonly used by governmental entities to manage funds received from specific sources that are designated for particular uses, such as grants, taxes, or fees, that must be spent on related programs or services.

This structure encourages transparency and accountability, as it allows stakeholders to see how funds are being utilized for their intended purposes. In contrast, general operational expenses are typically accounted for through general fund operations, capital projects use capital project funds, and debt management is overseen by debt service funds. Each of these alternatives serves a different function and does not align with the specialized nature of special revenue funds.