Abstract
This study analyzes the influence of deviation and budgetary turbulence on the primary outcome of local governments. Data from 230 Brazilian municipalities were analyzed using linear hierarchical models. Budgetary turbulence seems negatively influences the primary outcome of small municipalities and positively those of medium and large size. Budgetary deviation seems to negatively influence the medium-sized municipalities and positively small and large ones. When the turbulence and the budgetary deviation occur concomitantly, the primary result of small and medium municipalities is negatively influenced and that of large municipalities positively.