Fitch Ratings Upgrades Wayne County Two Notches to BBB+ from BBB-

New York-based credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has upgraded Wayne County’s credit rating two notches to BBB+ from BBB- after deeming the county’s financial outlook stable.
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Wayne County Building
Wayne County’s credit rating from Fitch Ratings has improved to BBB+. Pictured is the Wayne County Building. // Stock photo

New York-based credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has upgraded Wayne County’s credit rating two notches to BBB+ from BBB- after deeming the county’s financial outlook stable.

Fitch cites Wayne County’s “moderate long-term liability burden and strong financial resilience” as reasons for the BBB+ rating, which is considered investment grade.

“This upgrade by Fitch further demonstrates that Wayne County’s recovery plan has led to a sustainable, efficient government and built the foundation for the long-term rebuilding of the County,” says Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “We have reduced our long-term liabilities, developed a reserve, and we are better prepared to weather future economic downturns. This upgrade reflects that reality.”

Fitch’s new rating, published in a Nov. 26 report, highlighted a steady decline in unemployment, improved budget flexibility, and tax base growth as positive indicators of the county’s health. The report cited poverty and state regulations, however, that “inhibit the county’s ability to realize revenue commensurate with growth in the property tax base” as challenges still facing Wayne County.

“We cannot ignore these red flags about poverty and local funding,” says Evans. “The Fitch report echoes concerns raised by Moody’s earlier this year. Even Wall Street recognizes poverty isn’t an isolated problem. It affects Wayne County as a whole. It’s critical that local and county governments have the resources to address poverty and aggressively pursue policies, such as regional transit, that create opportunities for residents and maintain our momentum.”

Wayne County’s credit is currently rated as investment-grade by Wall Street’s two other major ratings agencies, Moody’s (Baa1) and S&P (BBB+).

Since 2015, the county has eliminated a $52 million structural and an $82 million accumulated budget deficit, delivered four consecutive budget surpluses, and increased Wayne County’s pension funding from 45 percent to 62 percent.

Wayne County faced unfunded liabilities of $810 million for pensions and $1.3 billion for OPEB in 2015.  As of 2018, the County still faces $545.6 million in unfunded pension liabilities and $178.1 million unfunded OPEB liabilities.