Kenosha County has again received a AAA bond rating from S&P Global Ratings, County
Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today.
This rating, the highest possible, reflects the county’s strong fiscal health and outlook, and it
results in a savings for taxpayers, Kerkman said.
“Kenosha County is proud to be one of just seven Wisconsin counties with AAA status — a
distinction we’ve now held for five years running,” Kerkman said. “This is a testament to our
continued fiscal health and the result of the hard work and diligence of our Finance team and the
County Board.”
County Board Chairman Monica M. Yuhas said the continued AAA recognition from S&P
confirms that the county’s fiscal policies are working, and that the county is well-positioned for
the future.
“Maintaining our AAA bond rating is no small task,” Yuhas said.
“It is the direct result of
thoughtful decision-making, a willingness to plan for the long term, and a shared belief that
taxpayer dollars must be managed with the highest level of care.”
“This rating translates into real benefits for our residents — from saving millions in interest on
major projects to ensuring we have the flexibility to invest in our community when it matters
most,” Yuhas added. “This is about safeguarding our county’s future.”
The S&P report states that the continued AAA rating is supported by Kenosha County’s “robust
fiscal management that has contributed to a trend of mostly positive operations and healthy
reserves.” The report noted the strong economic growth trend in the county, expected to continue
with recently announced development plans from major corporations including Eli Lilly &
Company and Microsoft.
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Along with the rating, S&P issued a stable outlook, which the report states “reflects our
expectation that Kenosha County’s well-managed budget, steady economic expansion, and extra
levy capacity will ensure generally balanced budgetary performance and a healthy overall
financial position in upcoming years.”
Kerkman noted that holding the top-level AAA rating benefits taxpayers as it results in lower
interest rates when the county secures funding for major projects.
Supervisor Jeffrey Gentz, chairman of the County Board’s Finance and Administration
Committee, said AAA is “a very big deal” for Kenosha County.
“We save taxpayers thousands of dollars by having good credit, that’s what it boils down to,”
Gentz said. “I’ve been doing this for 18 years, and my mentors and predecessors looked at this as
a goal — a goal and a dream — and we’ve achieved it.”
Kerkman credited the team of county Finance Director Patricia Merrill, Budget Director Barna
Bencs and Assistant Budget Director Matthew Leys, as well as the Kenosha Area Business
Alliance for its ongoing work to champion economic development activity that has been key to
attaining and retaining AAA status.
“This is truly a team effort, and it also would not be possible without the County Board’s strong
oversight and commitment to responsible budgeting and sound fiscal practices,” Kerkman said.
“Working together, we’ve achieved and maintained AAA, which benefits the entire community.”
Said Yuhas: “The County Board of Supervisors has made tough but responsible choices, invested
in infrastructure and essential services, and built reserves that protect us against unforeseen
challenges. Our commitment is to the people of Kenosha County — ensuring that our
government is as strong and dependable as the community it serves.”