What step follows the 'Implementation' phase in the budget process?

The step that follows the 'Implementation' phase in the budget process is evaluating. This phase is crucial as it involves assessing how well the budgetary plan is being executed and whether the resources are being utilized effectively to achieve the organization's goals. Evaluation provides insights into actual performance versus the planned budget, allowing for adjustments and improvements in future budgeting cycles. Through this process, fire departments or organizations can identify variances, analyze the reasons behind them, and enhance financial decision-making and accountability.

The other options represent stages that occur either before the implementation phase or are part of the ongoing budget preparation cycle rather than a subsequent step in the evaluation of the budget after it has been implemented. For instance, planning, preparing, and budgeting are foundational steps that set the stage for what follows, but they do not address the assessment of the resources and efforts once the budget is active.