One method used during an external budget review is:

• A. Identifying fixed and recurring expenses
• B. Letting officials know how spending now will bring future savings
• C. Presenting little information and forcing officials to ask questions
• D. Public hearings to allow citizens input

Answer: (D)

External budget review relies on involving stakeholders outside the organization to promote transparency and accountability. Public hearings give citizens a direct way to hear budget details, express priorities, ask questions, and influence decisions, which helps ensure the budget reflects the public’s interests and builds trust in the process.

Other methods described are more internal in focus: identifying fixed and recurring expenses is about categorizing costs and controlling internal spending; explaining how current spending will yield future savings centers on internal forecasting and justification; presenting little information and forcing officials to ask questions reduces transparency and stakeholder participation.