Calvert County Receives AAA Credit Ratings for Second Consecutive Year
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) announces the county has received AAA credit ratings from three independent credit rating agencies for the second consecutive year. Fitch Ratings, Moody's Investors Services and Standard & Poor's Rating Services assigned Calvert County their highest ratings due to the county's consistently sound financial operations, strong reserves, conservative fiscal policies and growing economy.
The three ratings are assigned to Calvert County's 2017 consolidated public improvement bonds totaling $26.5 million and are reaffirmed for the county's outstanding debt.
Fitch reaffirmed its AAA rating and noted "the county's low long-term liability burden, healthy reserve levels and strong budgetary flexibility, highlighted by solid revenue raising capacity, strong budget management, and affordable carrying costs." Fitch also referenced the county's service-based budgeting approach developed "to further manage and identify remaining expenditure flexibility."
Moody's announced its Aaa rating "reflects the county's sound fiscal position, which is strengthened by formal policies and conservative management, a moderately-sized tax base with strong demographics, and manageable debt and pension liabilities." The agency stated "the county's tax base will experience moderate growth because of the Dominion Cove Point plant expansion and additional residential and commercial development" and noted commercial projects totaling $14.8 million in new investment are underway.
Standard & Poor's Ratings cited the county's "very strong" economy; robust management and financial policies; a strong, flexible budgetary position; and a positive outlook due in part to forecasted revenue from the Dominion Cove Point plant expansion. Standard & Poor's also cited the county's stable outlook, noting "the ongoing economic development in Calvert County will likely continue to expand employment and the property tax base, as well as the breadth of available job opportunities."
"This second consecutive year of top credit ratings is great news for Calvert County," said BOCC President Tom Hejl. "It affirms our commitment to conservative financial management and highlights the county's strong economic position. The ratings also help Calvert County save a significant amount of money on the repayment of its bonds."
"It takes the work of many to achieve this prestigious rating," added County Administrator Terry Shannon. "Our fiscal health and economic prosperity come through the dedication of our employees and the support of our citizens. We are very proud of the distinction."
Public Comment Period Open Following Calvert Shores Public Hearing
The Board of County Commissioners is taking public comment on the proposed Calvert Shores municipality following its July 11 public hearing on the project.
The public hearing was held to consider a request to hold a referendum on the proposed municipality that would encompass Chesapeake Ranch Estates and other areas in Lusby.
Background information on the proposal, a link to a video of the public hearing, FAQs and more are available on the Calvert Shores information page.
View the Calvert Shores information page: www.co.cal.md.us/index.aspx?NID=2025
Calvert County Holds Ribbon Cutting for Grand Opening of Mt. Hope Convenience Center
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners and the Calvert County Department of Public Works will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mt. Hope Convenience Center Tuesday, July 18 at 4 p.m. The new center provides one-stop customer service for northern Calvert County's growing recycling and trash needs seven days a week.
"The new convenience center site was designed and constructed to provide one-way traffic flow when disposing of solid waste and recycling materials by offering greater container capacity, improved traffic patterns, improved customer-friendly amenities and convenient parking on a spacious lot," explained Department of Public Works Director Rai Sharma. "We are glad to provide citizens quicker and more convenient service without the long traffic lines."
One of seven county convenience centers, the Mt. Hope Convenience Center, located at 96 Pushaw Station Road in Sunderland, operates Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.