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Budget & Financial Overview

What is the Rating System?

  • AAA - Bonds of the highest quality possessing the lowest degree of default risk that compares the investment quality
  • AA - High quality bonds, but the margins of protection against changes in the municipality's financial condition are weaker
  • A - Upper medium-grade quality
  • BBB - Medium grade bonds possessing certain speculative elements

In order for the District to maintain quality, reliable service for you - our customer - we not only have to remain financially stable, but also have to provide sufficient funding to operate the system and maintain reasonable sewer rates and fees. We accomplish this goal by incorporating long-term financial planning into all of our activities. Cost projections for new projects and multi-year projections of regular operating expenses are used to develop our five-year forecast of rates and fees. These projections are reviewed annually to ensure they meet the District's operating and capital needs.

One of the ways we maintain the District's financial strength is through the use of reserves. The District currently has approximately $45 million in available reserves. A portion of this money will be used to rehabilitate the sewer system as needed or can be used if development slows and impact fees for new connections are less than projected. Other reserve funds are legally required when we issue bonds.

The District has been recognized for its financial prudence by its AA bond rating (the second highest rating obtainable) from the three rating agencies. This is a direct benefit to our customers since a higher bond rating means the District pays a lower interest rate when borrowing money. Ratepayers also benefit from the District's financial strength since we have the funds to maintain the system in good working order and keep deferred maintenance to a minimum.

Read our annual financial reports for more information on how we're performing for you!

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