10/09/2026
🔎 KEEPING YOU INFORMED 🔎
BARROW COUNTY EARNS AAA CREDIT RATING FOLLOWING YEARS OF FISCAL DISCIPLINE, STRONG BOARD LEADERSHIP
Fitch Ratings has assigned Barrow County a prestigious AAA Issuer Default Rating with a Stable Outlook, recognizing more than a decade of fiscal discipline, responsible financial management, and strong leadership by the current and previous Boards of Commissioners under Chairman Pat Graham’s leadership. With this achievement, Barrow County becomes just the seventh county in Georgia to earn Fitch’s highest AAA credit rating.
Fitch cited the County’s “solid financial performance, supported by very strong unrestricted reserve levels,” along with strong population growth, low unemployment, and sound financial practices.
When Chairman Graham took office in 2012, Barrow County carried more than $100 million in debt. Under her leadership, successive Boards of Commissioners, working alongside County administration and staff, prioritized reducing debt, strengthening reserves, and making strategic investments while minimizing long-term operating costs.
Key initiatives included limiting additional debt, purchasing County vehicles with cash, refinancing existing obligations at lower interest rates, and building the County’s fund balance, commonly known as its “rainy day fund.” This financial discipline allowed the County to invest approximately $7 million from reserves to upgrade its first responder radio system without incurring additional debt.
Another significant achievement was retiring the County’s Joint Development Authority debt approximately six years ahead of schedule. Eliminating those payments freed resources to address growing public safety needs without increasing the millage rate – the rate by which county property taxes are calculated. The debt was incurred for the purchase of a 200-plus-acre property that is now positioned for future parks and recreation use.
“This achievement belongs to the current and previous Boards of Commissioners and the dedicated employees who have worked together to strengthen Barrow County’s finances,” said Graham. “Since 2012, we have remained focused on managing debt, building reserves, and making responsible investments. This AAA rating reflects the lasting value of those collective decisions and our commitment to the citizens of Barrow County.”
County Manager Srikanth Yamala credited the Board’s sustained leadership and the dedication of County administration and staff. “Under Chairman Graham’s leadership, successive Boards have made disciplined and sometimes difficult financial decisions that laid the foundation for this achievement,” said Yamala. “Fitch’s assessment validates years of sound financial management and a shared commitment to protecting taxpayer resources.”
Yamala also recognized Deputy County Manager Wes Geddings for his contributions to the County’s financial management practices and his leadership throughout the rating process.
“I especially want to recognize Wes, who was instrumental in encouraging us to pursue the AAA rating and guiding the County through the process,” Yamala added. “His experience and commitment, together with the exceptional work of Finance Director Trey Wood and his staff, played an important role in achieving this milestone.”
Beyond recognizing the County’s financial strength, the AAA rating is expected to help Barrow County make generational investments in facilities and infrastructure that directly benefit residents, while responsibly spreading those costs over time.
“We can all take pride in this milestone,” Graham said. “Our responsibility now is to protect this strong financial foundation and ensure our growing community remains positioned for success for generations to come.”
The full rating can be found at:
https://www.fitchratings.com/research/us-public-finance/fitch-rates-barrow-county-pub-fac-auth-ga-64mm-series-2026-rev-bonds-aaa-outlook-stable-09-10-2026
