Rockland County Scores Top ‘AAA’ Rating from Fitch

In a ceremony that felt part celebration, part relief, Rockland County officials announced that Fitch Ratings has lifted the county’s general‑obligation bond rating to the coveted "AAA" tier. That’s the very top notch the agency hands out, and it puts Rockland in the same elite league as only one other New York county.

What does a AAA rating actually mean for the everyday taxpayer? In plain terms, it signals to lenders that the county carries almost no credit risk. The practical upshot? When Rockland needs to finance projects—whether it’s a new road, a school upgrade, or a park renovation—it can borrow at lower interest rates. Over time, those savings can translate into smaller tax bills or more money left in the budget for services.

County Executive Ed Day, who took office a few years back, traced the upgrade to a string of tough‑knit budget decisions. "When I stepped into the role, I promised to get our finances back on solid ground," Day said. "Through disciplined budgeting, responsible fiscal stewardship, and a relentless focus on protecting taxpayers, we’ve earned this rating. It’s a testament to the hard work of our entire county workforce."

Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. echoed that sentiment, crediting the collaboration between the executive branch, the county legislature, and day‑to‑day staff. "This recognition reflects a collective effort," Hood noted. "We’ll keep making choices that strengthen our financial future and serve the people of Rockland."

Fitch’s own report highlighted several factors that helped lift the rating: stronger unrestricted reserves now covering about half of the projected fiscal‑2024 spending, improving demographic trends, and a robust local economy. The agency expects the reserve cushion to grow even larger in fiscal 2025, based on unaudited figures.

Finance Commissioner Stephen DeGroat was quick to point out that this isn’t the county’s first taste of top‑tier credit. "Last year Moody’s awarded us an Aaa rating, making Rockland the only New York county with that distinction," DeGroat said. "This new AAA rating from Fitch reinforces that our financial plan is on solid footing and that we’re managing our resources conservatively and wisely."

While the announcement didn’t spell out specific next steps, officials hinted that the lower borrowing costs could free up cash for future infrastructure projects and possibly ease the pressure on property taxes. For now, the message to residents is clear: the county’s financial health is in good shape, and that stability benefits everyone.

Stay tuned for more updates on how this rating might shape upcoming capital projects and budget priorities. In the meantime, Rockland’s leaders are already rolling up their sleeves, looking for ways to put the savings to work for the community.