Variations in which measure may indicate improvements or declines in a municipality's financial health?

The selection of debt service coverage as a measure indicative of a municipality's financial health is sound due to its direct relationship with a government's ability to meet its debt obligations. This ratio compares a municipality's available income to its debt service requirements, revealing whether its cash flow can comfortably cover the interest and principal repayments on debt. A higher debt service coverage ratio signifies that the municipality is not only able to meet its obligations but also has a buffer to absorb financial stresses, thereby reflecting a lower risk of default.

In contrast, while revenue growth, operating expenditures, and capital expenditures are important factors in assessing financial performance, they do not provide a direct measure of debt management or financial stability. Revenue growth indicates potential income increases but does not reflect how that income is used or the impact of existing liabilities. Operating expenditures showcase cost management but may not correlate with financial health unless assessed in context with revenue and debt. Capital expenditures reflect investment in infrastructure, which is crucial for long-term growth but may not directly reveal the short-term financial standing or liquidity of the municipality.