The City of Avondale Estates has received exceptional credit ratings from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s in support of the city’s anticipated $8.4 million Urban Redevelopment Agency Revenue Bonds Series 2023. Moody’s has assigned the city an initial Aa1 general obligation unlimited tax rating. Standard & Poor’s has assigned the city an initial rating of AA+ with a stable outlook. Both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s cited the city’s strong economic outlook, sound budget management and financial policies among the reasons for these prestigious ratings.
“The city’s budget management is very strong as evidenced by the maintenance of excellent reserves and liquidity. Transparency and disclosure are favorable due to quarterly disclosures, while the city’s strong formal fund balance policy speaks to above average policy credibility and effectiveness,” writes Gregory Max Sobel, Moody’s.
These ratings place the city in exclusive company. Avondale Estates is the highest-rated small city (population 5,000 or less) in Georgia by Moody’s and in the top 10% of ratings for small cities (population 5,000 or less) nationwide. Avondale Estates has the smallest tax digest and fifth smallest budget of all cities rated Aaa/Aa1 by Moody’s.
“We have taken great pride in managing the city’s finances in a disciplined and efficient manner,” said Avondale Estates Mayor Jonathan Elmore. “Our strong fiscal management policies have enabled us to continue to enhance the quality of life for our residents while delivering a strong return on investment for all stakeholders within the city. We are honored to meet the highest standards of fiscal responsibility by both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s.
In 2019, the city contracted with Davenport & Company LLC as its financial advisor. They began exploring financing opportunities and assisted the city’s Urban Redevelopment Agency with an agreement with PNC Bank to provide an $8.4 million Bond Anticipation Note to finance the costs associated with the construction of the city’s award-winning Town Green and Market Pavilion. The proceeds of the 2023 series bonds will be used to permanently finance that loan.