What is a key characteristic of a special assessment?

A special assessment is specifically designed to finance public improvements or services that benefit certain properties, rather than the community as a whole. This characteristic is significant because special assessments target the properties that directly receive the benefits from the improvements, such as roads, sewer systems, or parks.

When a local government, for example, upgrades a street, only the properties that front that street might be assessed for the cost, as these properties see a direct increase in value and quality of life from the enhancement. This is why option B is the correct answer; it highlights the direct connection between the assessment and the properties that benefit from improvements.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of special assessments. While the idea that a special assessment affects all properties equally does not hold true, assessments are crafted to apply based on the tangible benefits received. The option mentioning variation according to property size (property size variations) does not capture the essence of special assessments, which focuses on the qualification of benefit rather than size. Lastly, suggesting a state-only application disregards the fact that special assessments are typically implemented at the local or municipal level to address community-specific needs.