Frederick County has earned the highest possible AAA stable bond ratings from all three agencies for the first time in history. Moody’s upgraded its rating and Fitch and Standard & Poor’s reaffirmed their ratings.

According to the Frederick County press release,

“This is a demonstration of the fact that our economy is booming, that we have good management in Frederick County, and that our financials are fiscally sound,” Executive Gardner said.

In their reports, the financial analysts described Frederick County as having a “very strong economy.” S&P lauded the county’s “very strong management, with strong financial policies and practices.” Fitch referenced Frederick’s “solid financial management practices” and lauded the “healthy reserve cushion.” All three spoke of the County’s conservative budgeting and fiscal policies.

Similar to a consumer with an excellent credit score, a government with AAA bond ratings can borrow money at a lower interest rate. “It means that we can build schools, roads, libraries and parks at a lower interest rate, saving taxpayers money and getting more bang for the buck,” Executive Gardner explained.

County Council President Bud Otis said, “These fantastic ratings show that the majority of the County Council has been right on target with our budget oversight. Moody’s said Frederick County earned the upgrade in part because we have committed to building our reserves. By following sound fiscal policies, we are saving taxpayers’ money.”

To read the full press release, please visit Frederick County’s website.