For the 17th consecutive year, Howard County has earned a triple-A credit rating from each of the three major bond rating agencies on Wall Street – Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investor Services and Standard and Poor’s.  Howard County is one of just 40 counties in the U.S. to earn this rating from all three agencies.

From Howard County’s news release,

“Howard County has achieved this mark of fiscal responsibility and strength during every year of my administration,” said County Executive Ken Ulman. “This year’s rank is especially significant. Through federal budget sequestration, and before that, a painful recession and challenges in the housing market, we have continued to make important investments and smart decisions. Howard County is well-positioned for the future.”

Howard County Council Vice-chairperson Courtney Watson, who participated in briefings with the rating agencies this year, added: “Each agency carefully examines the County’s tax base, financial policies, debt burden and much more. Bottom line – these ratings show that we are doing a good job in making the right decisions on behalf of the community. The collaboration and cooperation of our leadership, staff and community partners is something to be proud of.”

Read more on Howard County’s website.