Oakland County has retained its Aaa and AAA bond ratings from Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s for its $13.16 million Oakland Township Water Supply System Improvement Bonds, Series 2025, and $15.41 million Clinton-Oakland Sewage Disposal System Capital Improvement Bonds, Series 2025. These ratings reaffirm Oakland County’s position among the most fiscally sound counties in the nation, ensuring lower borrowing costs for essential infrastructure improvements.
S&P cited the county’s strong economy, proactive financial planning and management practices as key reasons for the top rating. The agency praised Oakland County’s forward-looking policies and noted that the county’s reserves have grown to $445 million, reflecting its long-standing commitment to financial stability.
Moody’s cited Oakland County’s robust financial policies, substantial reserves and strong local economy. The rating agency said the county’s low fixed costs and well-funded obligations contribute to its fiscal strength.
“A AAA bond rating is more than just a financial benchmark, it’s a reflection of our commitment to smart financial management,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “These ratings translate directly into savings for taxpayers, allowing us to invest in critical infrastructure while keeping costs low.”
Oakland County continues to be a key economic driver in Michigan. S&P highlighted the county’s broad tax base, growing business investments and strong employment figures. The agency noted that taxable value has increased by more than 33 percent since 2020, driven by increases in residential development, and the manufacturing and technology sectors.
Board of Commissioners Chair David T. Woodward cited the county’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term planning.
"Maintaining our AAA bond rating is a testament to the Board's ongoing budget discipline," Woodward said. "Our strong fiscal responsibility allows investment in essential infrastructure which our residents expect and deserve, ensuring a sustainable future for our community."
The $28.57 million in bonds will finance:
• Key upgrades to Oakland Township’s Southwest Oakland Water System, including the acquisition and construction of enhanced water supply facilities to ensure reliable service for residents. A new one-million-gallon ground water storage tank with associated water booster station will ensure a reliable and consistent water supply to households, businesses, and firefighting.
• Improvements to the Clinton-Oakland Sewage Disposal System consist of repairing and strengthening the system, thereby ensuring public safety, protecting local roads and infrastructure, and preserving the nearby wetlands and wildlife.
“Maintaining our AAA credit rating ensures that we can secure the lowest possible borrowing costs, saving taxpayer dollars while making critical upgrades to our water supply and sewage disposal systems,” said Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash. “These investments will strengthen our infrastructure, protect public health and support the long-term sustainability of our water resources.”
Oakland County continues to prioritize long-term financial health, maintaining policies that require minimum reserves of 25 percent of annual expenditures while actively managing its investments and budget forecasts.
“Oakland County’s continued AAA and Aaa bond ratings reaffirm our commitment to prudent fiscal management and strategic investments that benefit our residents and businesses,” said Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg. “These top ratings reflect our strong reserves and long-term financial sustainability, ensuring that Oakland County provides essential services, strengthens our local economy, and remains a premier place to live, work, and do business.”
Both bond issues are expected to be sold via competitive sale on February 19.
S&P cited the county’s strong economy, proactive financial planning and management practices as key reasons for the top rating. The agency praised Oakland County’s forward-looking policies and noted that the county’s reserves have grown to $445 million, reflecting its long-standing commitment to financial stability.
Moody’s cited Oakland County’s robust financial policies, substantial reserves and strong local economy. The rating agency said the county’s low fixed costs and well-funded obligations contribute to its fiscal strength.
“A AAA bond rating is more than just a financial benchmark, it’s a reflection of our commitment to smart financial management,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “These ratings translate directly into savings for taxpayers, allowing us to invest in critical infrastructure while keeping costs low.”
Oakland County continues to be a key economic driver in Michigan. S&P highlighted the county’s broad tax base, growing business investments and strong employment figures. The agency noted that taxable value has increased by more than 33 percent since 2020, driven by increases in residential development, and the manufacturing and technology sectors.
Board of Commissioners Chair David T. Woodward cited the county’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term planning.
"Maintaining our AAA bond rating is a testament to the Board's ongoing budget discipline," Woodward said. "Our strong fiscal responsibility allows investment in essential infrastructure which our residents expect and deserve, ensuring a sustainable future for our community."
The $28.57 million in bonds will finance:
• Key upgrades to Oakland Township’s Southwest Oakland Water System, including the acquisition and construction of enhanced water supply facilities to ensure reliable service for residents. A new one-million-gallon ground water storage tank with associated water booster station will ensure a reliable and consistent water supply to households, businesses, and firefighting.
• Improvements to the Clinton-Oakland Sewage Disposal System consist of repairing and strengthening the system, thereby ensuring public safety, protecting local roads and infrastructure, and preserving the nearby wetlands and wildlife.
“Maintaining our AAA credit rating ensures that we can secure the lowest possible borrowing costs, saving taxpayer dollars while making critical upgrades to our water supply and sewage disposal systems,” said Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash. “These investments will strengthen our infrastructure, protect public health and support the long-term sustainability of our water resources.”
Oakland County continues to prioritize long-term financial health, maintaining policies that require minimum reserves of 25 percent of annual expenditures while actively managing its investments and budget forecasts.
“Oakland County’s continued AAA and Aaa bond ratings reaffirm our commitment to prudent fiscal management and strategic investments that benefit our residents and businesses,” said Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg. “These top ratings reflect our strong reserves and long-term financial sustainability, ensuring that Oakland County provides essential services, strengthens our local economy, and remains a premier place to live, work, and do business.”
Both bond issues are expected to be sold via competitive sale on February 19.
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