Which of the following is a criterion for ranking operating budget requests?

In the context of ranking operating budget requests, addressing health and safety hazards is an essential criterion. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the workplace, community, and services provided to the public meet safety and health standards. This priority reflects a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of individuals, which aligns with the responsible management of public resources. Budget proposals that aim to mitigate health and safety risks typically have a more immediate or significant impact on the community, making them a higher priority for funding.

On the other hand, increases in administrative overhead, avoidance of capital expenditures, and strict adherence to historical budget patterns do not directly address the immediate needs of the community or organization in the same way. While they may be relevant considerations in specific contexts, they do not have the same urgency or critical nature as addressing health and safety issues in operating budgets. Therefore, prioritizing requests that focus on health and safety reflects a strategic and responsible approach to financial planning and budgeting.