S&P Global Ratings this week renewed Kenosha County’s AAA bond rating, County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced today.

This is the fourth consecutive year the county has received the AAA designation — the highest rating possible — and it stands as continued confirmation of the county’s fiscal health and outlook, Kerkman said.

“As the S&P report notes, we are the Gateway to Wisconsin, with a strong economy and a bright future ahead,” Kerkman said. “Our continued AAA rating is a reflection of the outstanding work of the county’s fiscal team and our ongoing partnerships with the County Board, our municipalities, the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, and other community stakeholders. I look forward to continuing this success in the years to come.”

Kerkman said the AAA rating has tangible benefits for taxpayers, as it will result in lower interest rates when the county secures funding for major projects.

County Board Chairman Monica M. Yuhas said maintaining the top-tier rating is a significant achievement and a testament to the county’s responsible financial management and fiscal policies.

“The AAA rating not only signifies financial stability but also builds confidence among investors and the community,” Yuhas said. “It allows us to continue investing in vital infrastructure, public safety, and other critical services that enhance the quality of life for our residents. Maintaining this rating requires ongoing diligence, transparency, and commitment to sound financial principles, and I am dedicated to upholding these standards for the benefit of all Kenosha County residents.”

Kerkman credited the team of county Finance Director Patricia Merrill, Budget Director Barna Bencs and Assistant Budget Director Matthew Leys, as well as the County Board’s leadership, for their continued efforts to promote fiscal excellence in county government.

Supervisor Jeffrey Gentz, chairman of the County Board’s Finance and Administration Committee, shared similar sentiments.

“We’re fortunate to have a top-notch Finance staff that has continued to serve the county well for many years, always thinking ahead on ways to maintain and further improve our healthy fiscal standing” Gentz said. “Credit also goes to the current and former County Boards for their strong stewardship, which has helped the county to reach and maintain AAA status.”

The S&P report states the AAA rating reflects its view of the county’s:

• Optimal location as a Gateway to Wisconsin with access to major transportation systems along Interstate 94 and participation in the broad and diverse Chicago metropolitan statistical area.
• Steady budgetary results with strong reserves.
• Exceptionally well-managed finances, with forward-looking budget assumptions supported by comprehensive long-term planning for operations and capital needs.

Kenosha County is one of just seven Wisconsin counties that holds an AAA rating with the major rating agencies. The others are Brown, Dane, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties.

Kenosha Area Business Alliance President Nicole Ryf, who spoke on the local economic development landscape as part of the recent rating presentation to S&P analysts, congratulated the county for its AAA renewal.

“This is a testament to the county’s high standards of fiscal responsibility, which is one of the assets we tout to businesses considering investing in the area,” Ryf said. “We are grateful for our partnership with the county, which is a key driver in our continued economic development successes.”

Read more at kenoshacounty.org.