Finance is a cornerstone of local government operations, cutting across multiple departments within a unit and defining the duties of many local government officials and employees. This book provides an overview of budgeting and financial management laws applicable to local governments and public authorities in North Carolina.

At a time when the slow pace of economic recovery and continuing reductions in state and federal assistance underscore our need for strong leadership in financial management, this volume offers a deeper understanding of financial theory and practice for its own sake.