A county government is creating a budget for the next fiscal year. They wish to use analytics to guide their decisions about costs. Which analytic method can the county apply to this issue?

The median cost for all county projects does not necessarily provide a relevant benchmark for future budgeting since it may not reflect the totality of spending trends or project types. The median can be skewed by outlier projects, making it less effective than an average derived from similar counties, which provides a broader context for cost analysis.

While the average number of projects completed may indicate productivity levels, it does not directly address the issue of costs. Budgeting requires a focus on financial metrics rather than project quantity; therefore, this method fails to provide the necessary insights into managing expenditures effectively.

The median number of projects completed last year is relevant for assessing past performance but does not inform future budgeting in terms of cost management. This metric focuses on the quantity of work rather than the financial implications, making it less applicable for guiding budgetary decisions.