What financial document outlines a municipality's expected revenues and expenditures?

The municipal budget is the key financial document that outlines a municipality's expected revenues and expenditures for a specific period, typically one year. This document serves as a planning tool that allocates resources to various departments and services, reflecting the priorities and goals of the local government. It provides a detailed plan for how much money will be generated through taxes, grants, and other sources, as well as how that money will be spent across different areas such as public safety, education, infrastructure, and community services.

In contrast, the audit report reviews the municipality's financial practices and whether they comply with regulations, focusing on past performance rather than future expectations. The financial statement presents the overall financial position of the municipality at a given time, summarizing actual revenues and expenditures that have already occurred, rather than projecting future financial activity. The cash flow statement tracks the movement of cash in and out of the municipality, reflecting its liquidity but not detailing planned budgetary allocations.

Therefore, the municipal budget is the central document for understanding projected financial plans and management within a municipality.