ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County has received top-tier credit ratings on its municipal bonds, with Moody’s Ratings assigning an Aaa rating to the county’s general obligation bonds and an Aa1 rating to its limited obligation bonds, officials announced.
The agency also affirmed the county’s Aaa issuer rating and maintained its Aaa rating on outstanding general obligation unlimited tax debt, while affirming an Aa1 rating on existing limited obligation bonds. Moody’s revised the county’s outlook to stable from negative.
Finance Director Melissa Moore said the ratings reflect the county’s emphasis on fiscal discipline over the past year.
“I am extremely proud of the Buncombe County team for being very intentional about fiscal responsibility and making tough decisions,” Moore said in a statement. “This bond rating stands as a testament to our commitment to fiscal stewardship.”
According to Moody’s, the Aaa issuer rating reflects Buncombe County’s role as a regional economic and employment center in Western North Carolina. The agency noted that despite challenges following Tropical Storm Helene in early fiscal 2025, the county maintained balanced general fund operations and met its fund balance policy targets.
County Manager Avril Pinder said the ratings mark continued progress in the county’s recovery from the storm.
“This is another milestone in our recovery,” Pinder said. “Maintaining our Aaa rating, along with an upgraded outlook, acknowledges the hard work our community has done.”
Officials said strong financial reserves and liquidity will allow the county to continue managing operations, including ongoing storm recovery efforts.
Separately, Kroll Bond Rating Agency assigned a AAA long-term rating to Buncombe County’s General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A, and its Taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026B.