Read more about the article Trust, Invest, Repeat. Tackling Retiree Health Care Costs
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Finance and Procurement / Human Resources / Policy Deep Dive
Trust, Invest, Repeat. Tackling Retiree Health Care Costs

The MACo OPEB Investment Trust - designed to help counties put current assets to work toward long-term health care liabilities - is performing well, delivering healthy returns, and serving member needs. It recently topped $100m in total assets -- all "put to work" through active investment for a stronger long term return than would be allowable without the Trust infrastructure. The Board of Trustees of the MACo OPEB Investment Trust recently convened a quarterly meeting…

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July 30, 2025
Read more about the article Anne Arundel Maintains AAA Credit Rating Ahead of Bond Sale
County Budgets / County News / Finance and Procurement / Summer Conference
Anne Arundel Maintains AAA Credit Rating Ahead of Bond Sale

Anne Arundel County continues to earn top marks from Fitch Ratings, which this week reaffirmed the County’s AAA credit rating in advance of a planned $107.39 million bond sale. The rating applies to both the County’s general improvement and water/sewer refunding bonds, reflecting its prudent fiscal stewardship and resilient economic base. The AAA rating — Fitch’s highest — ensures the County can borrow at the most favorable interest rates, reducing costs for significant capital projects…

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July 7, 2025
Read more about the article Board of Public Works Approves $15M in Funding for County Infrastructure, Program Open Space Projects
Board of Public Works / Finance and Procurement / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Board of Public Works Approves $15M in Funding for County Infrastructure, Program Open Space Projects

During a meeting this morning of the Board of Public Works funding was approved for seven county governments to move forward with eleven local projects. Allocations mostly came from Program Open Space via the Maryland Department of Natural resources, the State capital budget, and grant funds through the Maryland Department of the Environment. The State Board of Public Works convened this morning to consider funding requests for projects, contracts, and expenditure plans for state agencies,…

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July 2, 2025
Read more about the article Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady Again — Inflation Still Sticky, but Outlook Improving
County News / Finance and Procurement
Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady Again — Inflation Still Sticky, but Outlook Improving

The Federal Reserve once again held its benchmark interest rate steady, maintaining the federal funds rate at a target range of 4.25% to 4.5%. In a cautiously optimistic statement, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) cited continued economic growth, low unemployment, and a slightly improved inflation outlook, though concerns remain. Inflation Still Elevated, but Fewer Red Flags While inflation remains “somewhat elevated,” the Fed noted that uncertainty about the economic outlook has diminished — a…

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June 18, 2025
Read more about the article Talbot Earns Solid Bond Ratings Ahead of School Investment
County Budgets / County News / Finance and Procurement
Talbot Earns Solid Bond Ratings Ahead of School Investment

In advance of its bond sale this week, Talbot County earned solid credit ratings from both Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service. The proceeds from the bond sale will support the design, construction, furnishing, and equipping of Chapel District Elementary School in Cordova, Maryland. Moody’s Investors Service affirmed the County’s Aa1 general obligation limited tax rating, citing continued strong financial performance, conservative budgeting, and substantial reserves. According to Moody’s, “The Aa1 issuer rating reflects the…

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May 29, 2025
Read more about the article Calvert Treasurer Nova Tracy-Soper To Retire After 30 Years of Public Service
County Budgets / County News / Finance and Procurement / News You Can Use
Calvert Treasurer Nova Tracy-Soper To Retire After 30 Years of Public Service

Calvert County Treasurer Nova Tracy-Soper will retire on May 30, 2025, after three decades of dedicated service in elected office. First elected in 1994, Tracy-Soper leaves behind a legacy of modernization, accountability, and customer-focused leadership in Calvert County’s tax administration. Over her 30-year tenure, Tracy-Soper prioritized strong fiscal management and responsive customer service. Under her leadership, the Treasurer’s Office introduced online credit card payments for property taxes and expanded public access to tax information through…

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May 29, 2025
Read more about the article Headline Check: Bond Ratings and That “Big, Beautiful Bill”
County Budgets / County News / Finance and Procurement
Headline Check: Bond Ratings and That “Big, Beautiful Bill”

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson unpack Maryland's recent credit downgrade and what it signals for the state's fiscal future. 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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May 23, 2025
Read more about the article Baltimore City Marks Two Years of Progress in Procurement Reform
County News / Finance and Procurement
Baltimore City Marks Two Years of Progress in Procurement Reform

Baltimore City is celebrating two years of progress in its ongoing effort to modernize procurement operations. Baltimore City, led by the Bureau of Procurement (BOP), which manages nearly $1 billion in annual purchasing, has focused on improving efficiency, building staff capacity, and enhancing training and leadership. Since 2023, senior procurement specialists have increased from 5 to 15. This investment in talent has contributed to faster contract registration, quicker vendor payments, and better use of the…

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May 19, 2025
Read more about the article Moody’s Downgrades US Credit Rating, Signals Economic Strain
Finance and Procurement / NACo and Federal Issues
Moody’s Downgrades US Credit Rating, Signals Economic Strain

Moody’s Investors Service announced a downgrade of the US credit rating, citing surging federal debt, rising interest payments, and long-term revenue challenges. The Moody’s downgrade drops the nation’s credit rating from its top-tier AAA status, marking a historic shift in the agency’s long-held confidence in US credit stability. This action follows similar moves by Fitch in 2023 and Standard & Poor’s back in 2011. Moody’s downgraded the US credit rating by one notch, more than…

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May 19, 2025
Read more about the article Maryland Loses AAA Bond Rating as Economic Pressures Mount
Feature / Finance and Procurement / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Maryland Loses AAA Bond Rating as Economic Pressures Mount

Maryland’s long-standing reputation for top-tier financial stability took a hit this week as Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the state’s bond rating from AAA to Aa1. The action marks the first time Maryland has fallen from the highest credit rating tier in over three decades. This shift could significantly affect Maryland's borrowing costs and financial outlook, and signals growing concern over the state’s long-term fiscal stability. With higher interest rates likely for future bond sales, the…

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May 14, 2025
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