Problem
In a period in which motor fuel prices have been increasing at an annual rate of 30 percent, the chief of police submits a budget request to the city council that shows no increase in the budget line for purchases of gasoline, a budget category that constitutes around 15 percent of the department total and is second only to costs associated with personnel in the department budget. Other city departments have increased their fuel budget requests by at least 20 percent and some by even more because, along with higher motor fuel prices, the city has been experiencing considerable population growth. The chief says that the department can hold the line on fuel costs because of smarter management of patrol resources. Should the chief be applauded for his efficient management, or is he using a cynical budget strategy?