Which statement best describes the scope of Dillon's Rule in determining municipal authority?

• A. Express grant, implied powers, and essential to existence and functioning
• B. Municipal authority is derived solely from local charters
• C. Municipalities have universal powers under state law
• D. Powers are determined by popular vote only

Answer: (A)

Under Dillon's Rule, a municipality’s authority is limited to three sources: express grants of power found in state law or the city charter, powers that are implied as necessary to carry out those express powers, and powers that are essential to the municipality’s existence or functioning. This framework means a city cannot act beyond what the state authorizes unless that authority is grounded in an express grant, reasonably implied to implement that grant, or essential to keep the municipality operating. It’s not that municipal power comes solely from local charters, nor that cities have universal powers under state law, nor that powers are decided by popular vote alone.