Rutherford County, TN - Rutherford County has achieved a rare financial milestone by earning a third AAA bond rating, this time from S&P Global Ratings. With this designation, the County now holds the highest possible bond rating from all three major credit rating agencies—Moody’s, Fitch Ratings, and S&P—placing it among an exclusive group of top-rated local governments nationwide. Couny Mayor Joe Carr noted, "We now have three AAA bond ratings, and that's a huge deal. According to Google AI, Rutherford County is now one of 54 counties out of 3,144 nationwide to have achieved this." In other words, of all the counties in America, 

This achievement underscores the County’s long-term commitment to fiscal discipline and sound financial stewardship. Credit for this accomplishment is attributed to the collaborative leadership of the Mayor’s Office, County Commission, and departmental leadership, all of whom have remained focused on maintaining a balanced budget and practicing conservative fiscal policies.

Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr said, “Since taking office, my administration has prioritized fiscal responsibility by adhering to a budget that reflects the County’s core priorities without overextending its resources. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our Department Heads and the strong partnership with the County Commission in passing balanced budgets year after year.”

Michael Smith, CPA and the County’s Finance Director, emphasized that this achievement was the result of years of consistent financial planning. “Our journey to this point began when Moody’s awarded us our first AAA rating,” Smith explained. “We’ve remained unwavering in our adherence to rigorous financial principles, even during challenging economic cycles. Attaining AAA ratings across the board validates the County’s commitment to prudent financial governance and will result in reduced borrowing costs for taxpayers.”

In its report, S&P Global Ratings highlighted several factors contributing to the rating, including Rutherford County’s rapid economic growth within the Nashville metropolitan region, robust fiscal reserves, flexible revenue options, and a manageable debt profile—much of which stems from education-related investments. S&P also acknowledged the County’s recent one-time $15 million transfer to fund a new forensic center as evidence of proactive capital investment without compromising financial stability.

S&P noted, “We expect that strong economic growth and proactive financial management will continue to yield positive financial results, and that revenue growth will keep pace with increased service needs.”

As the fourth-largest county in Tennessee, Rutherford County continues to distinguish itself as a fiscally sound and forward-looking community. With this AAA trifecta now secured, the County stands as a premier destination for families, businesses, and institutions seeking stability, opportunity, and excellence.