ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF LOCAL BUDGETS ON THE EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICES
Keywords:
Local budgets; public utilities; municipal finance; service efficiency; performance-based budgeting; fiscal decentralization; transparency; governance; community participation; sustainable development.Abstract
The efficiency of public utility services is a critical determinant of citizens’ quality of life and socio-economic development at the local level. Local budgets serve as a primary mechanism for financing these services, influencing both the accessibility and quality of water supply, waste management, heating, and sanitation systems. This study investigates the impact of local budget allocations on the operational performance of municipal utility services, emphasizing the role of financial planning, transparency, and participatory governance. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative policy analysis with quantitative evaluation of budgetary and performance indicators across multiple regions. Comparative analysis of international practices highlights the benefits of performance-based budgeting, digital monitoring, and community involvement in enhancing service efficiency. The findings reveal that strategic management of local budgets significantly improves resource utilization, reduces service interruptions, and increases citizen satisfaction.
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