What is another name for the operating budget in fire service management?

The term "expense budget" is often used interchangeably with "operating budget" due to its focus on the day-to-day operational costs of running a fire service organization. An operating budget outlines the necessary expenditures for personnel, equipment maintenance, training, utilities, and other recurring costs critical to the ongoing operations of the fire department. This budget is essential for ensuring that all operational needs are met effectively and allows for planning and allocating financial resources efficiently throughout the fiscal year.

In contrast, a capital budget typically pertains to the funding for long-term investments in physical assets, such as new fire stations or fire trucks, while a revenue budget focuses on the expected income that will cover operational costs. The term "operational budget" can sometimes be used synonymously, but it may not specifically emphasize the expense-related nature of the costs in the same way as the term "expense budget." Therefore, "expense budget" is the most accurate alternative name for the operating budget within fire service management.