• Moody’s Ratings and S&P Global Ratings have assigned Oakland County Aaa and AAA ratings, respectively, each citing a stable outlook, robust financial reserves and strong management practices.
• The county’s proactive leadership under Executive Dave Coulter, the board of commissioners, Treasurer Robert Wittenberg and Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash continues to support fiscal strength and economic growth.
• These top-tier ratings will help Oakland County finance crucial upgrades to water supply and sewage disposal systems while saving taxpayer dollars. 

Pontiac, Mich. — Oakland County has retained its Aaa and AAA bond ratings from Moody’s Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, respectively, for its $47.7 million Clinton-Oakland Sewage Disposal System Capital Improvement Bonds, Series 2026. These ratings reaffirm Oakland County’s position among the most fiscally sound counties in the United States, ensuring lower borrowing costs for essential infrastructure improvements.

S&P cited the county’s strong economy, proactive financial planning and sound management practices as key reasons for the top rating. Moody’s cited Oakland County’s robust financial policies, substantial reserves and strong local economy.

“The AAA bond ratings reflect our commitment to smart financial management,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “These ratings translate directly into savings for ratepayers and taxpayers, allowing us to invest in critical infrastructure while keeping costs low.”

Board of Commissioners Chair David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak) said the county’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term planning continues to benefit residents.

“Our residents trust us to make decisions which keep this county financially sound and maintain critical infrastructure we rely on daily,” said Woodward. “These ratings affirm the board’s diligence to keep fiscal responsibility at the center of our long-term planning.”

The $47.7 million in bonds will finance rehabilitation of approximately 30,000 linear feet of the Clinton-Oakland Sewage Disposal System as part of a larger $100 million bond-funded program to restore 50,000 linear feet of aging wastewater infrastructure. The project includes three separate projects designed to extend the life of this critical regional wastewater system.

Over time, portions of the pipes have experienced deterioration caused by hydrogen sulfide corrosion, a naturally occurring process in wastewater systems that can weaken pipes. The rehabilitation work will install a protective liner inside the existing pipe, improving its structural integrity, preventing further corrosion and reducing the need for future emergency repairs.

The project is supported by Oakland County’s strong financial position, including its AAA bond rating, which allows the office to secure favorable financing and continue making strategic investments in essential infrastructure.

“Maintaining and rehabilitating our wastewater infrastructure is critical to protecting public health, the environment and the communities we serve,” said Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash. “This investment in the Clinton-Oakland system will extend the life of a major regional asset, prevent costly failures and ensure this system continues to serve residents and businesses reliably for decades to come. Our AAA bond ratings help us make these long-term investments responsibly while minimizing costs for the communities that depend on this infrastructure.”

Oakland County continues to prioritize long-term financial health, maintaining policies that require minimum reserves of 25% of annual operating expenditures while actively managing its investments and budget forecasts.

“The continuation of our top credit rating reflects disciplined financial management and strategic investment of taxpayer dollars,” said Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg. “Maintaining robust reserves, investing strategically and managing county finances in a fiscally responsible and socially conscious way translate into real benefits for residents and business owners, including lower borrowing costs and infrastructure investment, and help ensure Oakland County remains a great place to live, work and own a business.”

The bond issue is expected to be sold via competitive sale on Aug. 5, 2026.