Division of Finance Maintains Aaa Rating

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – A new report from Moody’s Ratings continues to list the Sedgwick County Division of Finance with an Aaa issue rating, its highest rating level. The report from Aug. 21, 2026, updates the County’s financial and economic measures and doesn’t represent a new rating action.

The report highlights improvement in the County’s long-term financial obligations. Moody’s measure of debt, pension, and other long-term liabilities for the County declined from 156.8% of annual revenue in 2022 to a more manageable 94.4% in 2025. The 2025 median for Aaa-rated governments was 144%. The annual costs for debts, pensions and similar obligations are also relatively low at 5.8% of revenue for 2025, compared to the 8.2% median.

“Residents expect us to provide important public services and also take care of taxpayer dollars,” Board of County Commissioners Chair Jeff Blubaugh said. “This independent review provides the public another way to see how the County is managing its finances. As we made decisions on the 2027 budget, our goal included keeping the County financially stable while being mindful of what those decisions mean for taxpayers.”

The report also identifies areas to watch. Local household income and recent Wichita-area economic growth remain below the medians for Aaa-rated governments. Those measures are reminders that maintaining reserves and planning carefully for future costs remain important.

“Good financial results don’t happen in one year,” Chief Financial Officer Lindsay Poe Rousseau said. “They reflect years of careful work by Commissioners and staff throughout the organization. I am proud of our Finance staff and grateful for the work of departments across the County that carefully manage their budgets and taxpayer resources every day. Our goal is to make sound financial decisions that allow the County to continue serving residents today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow.”