Johnson County taxpayers will benefit from another round of AAA bond ratings for Johnson County Government. This week, the county issued two series of bonds to help finance several major capital projects previously approved by the Board of County Commissioners. As part of the bond issuance, the county received AAA ratings from all three bond rating agencies — the highest possible rating — due to its strong financial standing.

These bond ratings from Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service help determine the ease with which the county can borrow money and the competitive interest rates it pays. Johnson County is among the less than 2% of all U.S. counties who have the coveted “Triple Triple A” rating.

“Johnson County has maintained AAA ratings since 2009, but the story never gets old,” said Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly. “This continued excellent rating demonstrates our strong financial management skills, our dedication to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars and our priority to use resources efficiently — all which greatly benefit the community.”

The BOCC authorized a series of bonds for $60.2 million at an interest rate of 3.67% to finance two Johnson County Wastewater projects, an airport t-hangar project and development at New Century Commerce Center. A second series of bonds for $5.9 million at an interest rate of 3.66% will help fund improvements at three county facilities: Northeast Office Building in Mission, the Administration Building in Olathe and the New Century Adult Detention Center.

The bond-rating agencies cited the county’s strong economy and financial operations, established fiscal policies, strong reserve fund balance and high liquidity as factors in its AAA ratings.