Rutherford County Receives ‘AAA’ Bond Rating From Fitch Ratings

Rutherford County has received a ‘AAA’ bond rating from Fitch Ratings, which makes it the recipient of two such ratings.    

The Fitch rating is in addition to the Aaa rating the county received from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., which may make it only the second county in Tennessee to achieve this distinction.  

“We are incredibly proud to receive this second ‘AAA’ bond rating,” Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr said. “This rating results from a fiscally balanced approach that I have championed since taking office. Our teams’ hard work and dedication to sound financial practices directly benefit the taxpayers and community.”

Rutherford County Government Finance Director Michael Smith, CPA shared the news at the most recent  Commission meeting. 

“This is the highest rating we can receive, Smith said.  “It affirms the county’s strong financial management practices, strong fiscal policies, and commitment to conservative budgeting practices.”

This positive bond rating will allow Rutherford County to access more favorable borrowing terms, reducing interest payments on future debt.

Several factors go into the calculation of the rating including financial resilience, revenue volatility, and demographic and economic strength. 

Rutherford County Commission Chairman Jeff Phillips said, “This AAA rating confirms Rutherford county’s strong commitment to conservative stewardship of taxpayer money. This is a direct result of budgeting within our means and continuing to plan not just for today but for the future.”

 The full rating can be found at https://www.fitchratings.com/research/us-public-finance/fitch-assigns-aaa-idr-to-rutherford-county-tn-outlook-stable-11-06-2025.