Standard & Poor's Gives Clarkstown an AA+

NEW CITY, NY — Following two downgrades in 2015, Clarkstown has received a sustained AA+ rating from Standard & Poor’s with a stable outlook.

The AA+ rating reflects Standard & Poor’s view stating, “the Town’s recent efforts to reduce costs and manage areas of future cost growth support our belief that the town’s performance will remain strong.”

The report also notes that, “management’s efforts to reduce expenditures remain a priority and officials are assessing options to reduce expenses."

A copy of the report is available on the Town's website. Click here.

Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann said the report reflects positively on his commitment to have the town retire more debt than it issues going forward.

“I am proud that Standard and Poor’s recognizes our efforts in my first year as Supervisor to turn the tide and reform government,” Hoehmann said in an announcement about the report. “My promise to the residents of Clarkstown to look at every department and find ways to save the taxpayers money has resulted in receiving a sustained positive rating from Standard and Poor’s.”

Under Hoehmann’s leadership, the Town has cut over $1 million in salaries, reduced stipends for boards and commissions, entered into an agreement with the New York Power Authority to install LED street lamps, and is reviewing every department for efficiencies and cost savings. In addition, the Town has seen increased revenue from both sales and mortgage taxes in 2016.

Clarkstown remains one of the highest rated municipalities in the State of New York, he said.

IMAGE/ Standard & Poor's report Sept. 7, 2016