Jackson County Falls to A+

Standard & Poor’s downgraded Jackson County’s 2006 special obligation bonds issued for the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex project by one notch to A-plus due to a weakened financial position that follows several consecutive years of general fund shortfalls.

The bonds are secured by an appropriation pledge. The rating reflects the county’s diverse economy, good income and strong wealth indicators, good reserve levels even amid recent shortfalls, and a moderate overall debt burden with no near-term debt plans.

“The stable outlook reflects our expectation that the county will maintain general fund reserves at least at levels we consider good as management adjusts the budget to account for lower revenue streams,” said analyst John Sauter.

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