Town of Acton Retains Exemplary Bond Rating from Standard & Poor’s

ACTON — Standard & Poor Global Ratings reaffirmed its prestigious Corporate and Government rating for the Town of Acton, as well as stating a “stable” outlook. This is the highest bond rating a municipality can receive, which allows the Town to borrow money at the lowest possible interest rate.

S&P bases its ratings on a strong commitment to sound financial stewardship, and factors including: strong economic output relative to the U.S., strong budgeting practices with conservative assumptions and a host of formalized planning tools that include long-term financial forecasts, an annually updated 10-year capital improvement plan, quarterly reporting of budget-to-actual performance, low fixed costs and a reserve policy of maintaining 3-5% cash of the total operating budget.

S&P determined that the Town is well-positioned to weather an unexpected economic downturn. S&P issues the AAA rating only when it considers a creditor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on its obligations to be extremely strong.

Acton has issued more than $6 million in General Obligation (GO) municipal purpose loan bonds. Bond proceeds will be used to finance a variety of capital projects, which include a new fuel depot, construction of sidewalks and other traffic calming measures, bridge and culvert stormwater improvements and the purchase of 33 acres for conservation purposes.

The Town anticipates that total available reserves will remain relatively stable and strong during the next two years. The 2025 budget is trending well year to date, and the Town estimates it will replenish reserves and end the year strong.

“This rating publicly validates that Acton is well-managed, maintains strong practices, and is in excellent financial health,” Town Manager John Mangiaratti said. “This is a result of the dedication of Finance Director Marianne Fleckner and the entire Finance Department. Their work means the Town can move forward on numerous capital projects at a savings to our taxpayers.”