Jefferson County Raised to AA1 Bond Rating – Highest In History – Saves $4.2 Million Through Refinancing

The Jefferson County Commission will return to their previous meeting schedule of 8 meetings and 8 work sessions for fiscal year 2026-2027. For several months both citizens and commissioners have discussed the possibility of altering the current County Commission schedule of monthly meetings but no work sessions. Monday evening, upon a motion from Commissioner Huffaker and 2nd from Commissioner Coleman, the full body approved a return to the 8/8 schedule, with work sessions on the 2nd Monday of the month to precede the 3rd Monday of the month voting meeting. No meetings will be held in December, February, May and August. The motion passed 12-4.

In other action, the Commission voted to approve $35,000 to Cope Architect for space/scope work for a potential Justice Center expansion, as well as several budget amendments on both the county and school side of the budget. Several resolutions for surplus were approved and one rezoning on Highway 11E from A-1 to C-2 was approved. A rezoning request from A-1 to R-2 on Highway 25-70 could not garner enough votes to be approved or denied. The District 6 Commission Seat vacated by Ransom Douglas will be placed with the high vote getter in the May 5th Primary Election and will serve out Douglas’ unexpired term until the General Election in August of this year.

Jefferson County now enjoys a AA1 bond rating, according to information provided by Director of Finance Elder. This is the highest bond rating in the history of Jefferson County and is the result of careful debt management and a strong financial position. Recently, the commission approved the refinancing of some county debt which has resulted in a $4.2 million dollar savings. That debt has a 3% interest rate and the fees associated with the refinancing were reduced by Cumberland Security which does financial management for Jefferson County.