What constitutes a "Deficit" in municipal finance?

A deficit in municipal finance specifically arises when expenditures surpass revenues within a given budget cycle. This situation indicates that the municipality has spent more money than it has generated through various revenue sources such as taxes, fees, or grants during that financial period. This imbalance can lead to financial difficulties, forcing municipalities to borrow funds or make cuts in future budgets to address the shortfall.

Understanding this concept is vital because recognizing a deficit is fundamental in financial planning and management. Municipal finance officers must evaluate the budget carefully to avoid exceeding expenditures over revenues, which can impact the municipality's overall financial health and sustainability. This is why B is the correct characterization of a deficit in this context.