Howell's Bond Rating Increased by S&P

Even as the township continues to work through tough economic times the Howell Township Council announced this weekend that the Standard & Poor's Rating Service has increased the township's bond rating. 

The S&P has increased the rating from A-1 with a negative outlook to AA- with a stable outlook according to the council. "In this continued economic downturn climate, where many municipalities in New Jersey are still receiving downgrades, this news is proof positive that Howell Township's commitment to being fiscally responsible and our conservative approach is moving us in the right direction," the council said. 

An increase in the rating is good news, but the council said their work is not done. "Although times are still tough, the road ahead looks promising," they said. "We affirm our commitment to stringent fiscal oversight and managing taxpayers monies in the most efficient and effective way possible."

Through their decision making process the council said, "This approach transforms to saving thousands of dollars in financing costs for capital improvements for our taxpayers."

The council also thanked Township Manager Helene Schlegel and the other members of the administration "for their dedication and commitment to exemplary fiscal and operational management while understanding the challenging decisions we must all make."

They also credited the residents "for coming together and supporting our initiatives to make it possible to help reduce the cost of the high quality of services we in Howell have come to enjoy."

Tomorrow night the council is scheduled to meet at the new municipal building at 7:30.