Pottawattamie County Maintains Strong AA1 Credit Rating

Posted October 2, 2025
Posted by Board of Supervisors and Public Relations

Council Bluffs, Iowa – Pottawattamie County is proud to announce that Moody’s Ratings has reaffirmed the County’s strong AA1 credit rating, one of the highest ratings a local government can achieve. 

This independent confirmation demonstrates that Pottawattamie County is fiscally sound, carefully manages its resources, and has a proven ability to meet its financial obligations. 

Why This Matters for Taxpayers 

A strong credit rating directly benefits residents by lowering the cost of borrowing for essential community projects. When the county issues bonds to fund infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public safety facilities, the AA1 rating allows borrowing at lower interest rates. Over time, this translates to millions of dollars in savings. These are dollars that remain in taxpayers’ pockets and are redirected toward meaningful improvements rather than debt payments. 

“Maintaining this rating reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely,” said Mitch Kay, Pottawattamie County CFO. “It’s a sign that we’re managing today’s needs while protecting affordability for future generations.” 

The Highest Rating Achievable for Pottawattamie County 

While the absolute top rating of AAA is unattainable for counties like Pottawattamie due to factors such as population density and median income, AA1 is the best possible rating the county can achieve. The designation highlights the county’s strong reserves, disciplined financial practices, and long-term planning efforts. 

Confidence for Investors and the Community 

Moody’s reaffirmation lowers borrowing costs and builds investor confidence in the strength of Pottawattamie County bonds already in circulation. This reinforces the county’s credibility in financial markets and provides reassurance to residents that their local government is effectively managing public resources. 

The confirmation was based on updated financial information demonstrating that Pottawattamie County continues to meet the highest standards of sound fiscal management. 

A Commitment to Responsible Governance 

The AA1 rating is a visible measure of the county’s dedication to responsible governance, transparency, and fiscal health. It ensures that Pottawattamie County can continue to fund critical projects today while safeguarding financial flexibility for tomorrow.