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Fairfield County says 2025 finances are on track; commissioners note pending Moody's rating review
Summary
Budget Director Bart Hampson reported that 2025 expenditures matched the adopted plan and income was slightly above expectations; Commissioner Steve Davis said he participated in a Moody's bond-rating meeting and expects a rating decision that could move the county from AA2 to AA1.
Budget Director Bart Hampson reported to the Fairfield County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 24, 2026, that end-of-year financials and a trend analysis show the county remained on track with the 2025 expenditure budget and that income outperformed expectations slightly. The finance team is compiling materials for the 2027 budget process.
"The county stayed on track with the 2025 Expenditure Budget and income has continued to be slightly above expected," Bart Hampson said. Commissioner Steve Davis said he participated in a Moody's bond-rating meeting and described the process: "Being rated is a part of the bond process and the county should soon hear if it will remain AA2 or move to an AA1 rating." Davis praised staff work and thanked the finance team for contributing to the county's strong position.
Auditor Dr. Carri Brown reviewed total county tax collections and summarized recent state property tax reform legislation, emphasizing the importance of the Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program as tax relief for qualifying landowners. Treasurer Jim Bahnsen reported that first-half tax collections were completed the prior week.
The commissioners and staff framed the discussion as a status update rather than the adoption of any budget changes; no formal budget amendments were proposed or approved at this meeting. The board then moved to routine voting items.
