Johnson County remains in the 2% of counties with a Triple AAA bond rating

Johnson County maintained its status as being one of only 2% of all U.S. counties with the coveted Triple AAA bond ratings market in the sale of approximately $61.5 million in bonds.

This week, the county issued two series of bonds to help finance major capital projects authorized by the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. As part of the bond issuance, the county received AAA ratings, the highest possible rating, from all three bond rating agencies - Standard and Poor's Global Ratings, Fitch Ratings and Moody's Ratings.

These bond ratings help determine the ease with which the county can borrow money and the competitive interest rates it pays. The bond-rating agencies cited the county's strong economy and financial operations, established fiscal policies, strong reserve fund balance and high liquidity as factors in its AAA ratings.

Johnson County has maintained its Triple AAA rating since 2010. Triple AAA bond ratings allow the county to borrow money at more favorable interest rates, which helps save taxpayer dollars.

"Receiving the highest possible rating from all three bond rating agencies gives Johnson County an elite designation among government institutions - something that does not happen by accident," said BOCC Chairman Mike Kelly. "Our policymakers and staff strive every day to manage our resources efficiently and effectively, and these ratings convey that we are excellent stewards of taxpayer dollars."

This week, the BOCC in its role as the Public Building Commission authorized slightly more than

$36.8 million, in Lease Purchase Revenue Bonds at an interest rate of 3.99%. Funding included the final series of bonds to finance the new Health Services Building at the Sunset Drive Campus at 119^th Street and Ridgeview Road in Olathe. Construction of this project began in August 2025 with completion targeted in October 2027.

A portion of the PBC bonds will be used in the county's Major Asset Replacement Program for exterior improvements at the Sheriff's Office Operations Center and New Century Adult Detention Center along with roof replacement and other exterior repairs at the Sunset Drive Office Building.

The BOCC also authorized the sale of slightly more than $24.7 million in General Obligation Internal Improvement Bonds at an interest rate of 3.92%. The bonds will finance wastewater improvements at two pump stations and the Blue River Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Since 2010, Triple AAA rating has helped the county issue debt at competitive interest rates on multiple large capital projects including a new courthouse and medical examiner's building; new libraries at Merriam, Lenexa and Shawnee; Criminalistics Lab and Central Booking Center for the Sheriff's Office; Arts & Heritage Center; and major expansion, updates and improvements of wastewater facilities.