Finance and Procurement Archives

Harford Leverages AAA Rating To Finance Major Projects at 3.3%

Harford County held its annual bond sale on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, borrowing funds for essential public infrastructure at a low 3.3% interest rate, thanks to the county’s AAA bond rating. Harford sold $110 million in AAA-rated consolidated public improvement bonds to the winner among 11 bidders. The bonds will be paid back over 20 years. The county also refunded $44.6 million in existing 2015 bonds at a lower rate of 2.3%, saving $1.5M over…

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February 5, 2026

Energy / Finance and Procurement / MACo Testimony

Counties Advocate for Improved Access to Energy Performance Contracts

On February 3, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 119 – Energy Performance Contracts - Navigators, Funding, and Requirements with amendments. This bill seeks to expand and improve access to energy performance contracting by requiring additional coordination with the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC). Counties are seeking amendments to ensure that provisions directing navigators to review and establish energy efficiency measures and clean energy projects…

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February 5, 2026

Finance and Procurement / MACo Testimony

MACo to MGA: Stabilize Local Transportation Funding, Avoid Fiscal Cliff

On February 3, MACo President MC Keegan-Ayer, Executive Director Michael Sanderson, and many local officials testified before the Budget and Taxation Committee in support of SB 288 – Transportation - Highway User Revenues Capital Grants - Calculation. This bill would prevent a nearly $100 million reduction in local transportation funding scheduled to take effect in fiscal 2028 in the absence of this bill’s enactment. Without this bill, Highway User Revenues (HUR) for counties, Baltimore City,…

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February 5, 2026

County Budgets / County Government and Structure / County News / Finance and Procurement / Taxes and Revenues

Financial Snapshot Fiscal Year 2026: Budgets, Tax Rates, and Selected Statistics

The Fiscal Year 2026 Budgets, Tax Rates, and Selected Statistics (BTRB) is now available on the MACo website. This annual publication offers an overview of tax structures, tax rates, and revenue trends across Maryland. The BTRB provides information on a a wide range of county revenue sources and budget data. The report is organized into detailed sections, each focusing on a key aspect of fiscal operations - from current tax rates and revenues to multi-year…

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January 8, 2026

County News / Finance and Procurement

Cecil Completes Successful Bond Sale, Affirms Strong Credit Ratings

Cecil County issued $49.6 million in Public Improvement Bonds to advance projects in the County’s adopted Capital Improvement Plan. The funding supports emergency services, law enforcement, Cecil College, public schools, libraries, significant public works, and roadway improvements. In addition, Moody’s reaffirmed its Aa1 rating and Standard & Poor’s affirmed its AA+ rating, both with stable outlooks. The ratings agencies pointed to healthy reserves, strong liquidity, conservative budgeting, and long-term financial planning. They also noted the…

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December 8, 2025

County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Education / Emergency Management / Finance and Procurement / General Assembly News / Intergovernmental Relations / Risk Management / School Construction and Capital Budgets / Taxes and Revenues

Conduit Street Podcast: Professor Todd Eberly on “Interesting Times” in MD Politics

As Maryland heads into a challenging budget year and an election cycle legislative session, Professor Todd Eberly of St. Mary’s College of Maryland joins the Conduit Street Podcast to unpack the forces shaping the state’s political and economic landscape. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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December 5, 2025

County News / Finance and Procurement / Winter Conference

Carroll Earns Top-Notch Credit Ratings, Completes Successful Bond Sale

Carroll County held all three AAA credit ratings again this week and completed its latest bond sale at favorable terms, keeping borrowing costs down as the County moves forward with major capital projects. Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s each reaffirmed their highest ratings for the County, placing Carroll among a small group of jurisdictions nationwide that maintain top marks across all agencies. The County sold $31.5 million in new bonds at an interest…

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November 21, 2025

County News / Finance and Procurement / News You Can Use

Fed Cuts Rates Again as Shutdown Clouds Economic Outlook

The Federal Reserve this week lowered interest rates for the second time this year. Officials moved the benchmark federal funds rate to a range of 3.75% to 4%, aiming to support hiring and steady growth as inflation sits above target and federal data remains limited due to the federal government shutdown. The Fed’s Decision The Federal Open Market Committee reduced rates by a quarter point, continuing its gradual shift toward easier monetary policy. Committee members…

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October 30, 2025

County News / Finance and Procurement

Charles County Earns Fitch’s Top AAA Rating with Stable Outlook

Fitch Ratings has assigned an "AAA" rating to Charles County’s $69.2 million Consolidated Public Improvement Bonds, Series 2025, and affirmed the County’s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and outstanding general obligation bonds at the same level. The outlook remains "Stable." The bonds, expected to sell competitively on November 18, will fund a wide range of County projects — from school construction and government facilities to park improvements and water management systems. Fitch’s report highlights Charles County’s…

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October 29, 2025

County News / Finance and Procurement

Montgomery County Earns Fitch’s Highest Credit Rating

Fitch Ratings has assigned a "AAA" rating to Montgomery County’s $280 million general obligation consolidated public improvement bonds, Series 2025A, and affirmed the County’s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and outstanding GO bonds at the same level. The outlook remains "Stable." The bonds, scheduled for competitive sale on November 6, will refinance bond anticipation notes that funded earlier capital projects and directly finance additional County infrastructure investments. The rating underscores Fitch’s confidence in Montgomery County’s long-term…

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October 29, 2025