Howard County Receives AAA Credit Rating

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — For the 24th year in a row, Howard County has received the highest possible credit rating, AAA, from all three bond rating agencies - Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investor Services and Standard & Poor’s. Among more than 3,100 counties in the nation, Howard County is one of 49 counties to receive a AAA rating from all three agencies. The rating affirms Howard County’s ability to pay its debts and gives taxpayers the lowest possible interest when repaying bonds sold by the county.

“The past year has been filled with uncertainty and unknowns, especially when it comes to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said in a statement. “Achieving this rating for the 24th year in a row affirms the fiscal stewardship and responsibility Howard County has demonstrated throughout the past year. This rating also ultimately saves our residents money and I especially appreciate the trust and investment of our taxpayers. I want to thank and acknowledge our entire finance and budget teams for their guidance throughout this process. As we set our sights on our economic road to recovery, our county’s fiscal practices remain healthy, flexible and sound.”