Calvert County earned AAA bond ratings from the three major bond rating agencies for the sixth year in a row.
The ratings from Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s keep borrowing costs low and reflect the County’s strong economy, robust revenues, and sound financial management.
“This sixth consecutive assessment of top credit ratings for Calvert County is a testament to our fiscal stewardship,” said BOCC President Earl F. “Buddy” Hance. “It affirms our commitment to conservative financial management and highlights the County’s strong economic position. These ratings also help the County achieve the best interest rates available when borrowing for major county projects, saving Calvert County taxpayers millions of dollars each year on the repayment of bonds.”
According to a County press release:
Fitch Ratings assigned its AAA credit rating based on “the county’s low long-term liability burden, very healthy reserve levels, superior budgetary flexibility and prudent budget management.” The agency noted these attributes combine to establish resilience to potential economic downturns.
Moody’s Investors Service assigned a “Aaa stable” rating, citing the county’s credit strengths, including a moderately sized, affluent tax base; improved financial reserves and financial flexibility stemming from the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with Dominion Cove Point; and manageable debt and pension burdens. “The outlook also considers the county’s moderately sized tax base that continues to exhibit modest growth benefitting from its close proximity to the District of Columbia and ongoing residential and commercial development,” the agency stated.
In its rationale for Calvert County’s AAA rating, S&P Global Ratings noted the strength of the county’s economy, its financial management and its budgetary performance and flexibility. “We view the county’s management as very strong, with strong financial policies and practices under our Financial Management Assessment methodology, indicating financial practices are strong, well embedded and likely sustainable,” S&P stated.
“It takes a great deal of hard work to achieve this rating,” said County Administrator Mark Willis. “Our fiscal health comes through good planning, the dedication of our employees, and the support of our citizens. This is a proud moment for the county, for county government staff and for Calvert County citizens.”