Comprehensive Detailed Explanation:

In governmental funds (using the modified accrual basis), expenditures are recorded when financial resources are used — typically when cash is disbursed. However, in government-wide statements (accrual basis), only the portion of the asset’s cost consumed in the period is recorded as an expense (i.e., depreciation).

Paying for capital assets such as vehicles is an expenditure in the governmental funds, but not an expense in the accrual-based government-wide financials. Instead, the cost is capitalized and depreciated over time.

Relevant References:

GASB Statement No. 34 – Government-wide vs. Fund Financial Reporting

GASB Codification Section 1300 – Modified Accrual Accounting

GFOA Best Practices – Capital Asset Reporting

Answer: C. At the end of the fiscal year, the government pays for ten vehicles which will be depreciated over five years.