Highest Rating for Southampton
Moody’s Investors Service, which evaluates municipalities, schools, businesses, and other entities on their ability to repay short-term debt, has affirmed the town’s AAA rating, the highest level possible. Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said Moody’s latest analysis was based on the town’s large and stable tax base, strong management, and diversified revenue, which maintains stable operation and continued fund balance growth.
Mr. Schneiderman and Leonard Marchese, the town comptroller, made the town’s annual presentation to the rating agency on Jan. 20. Moody’s report also said that the town’s debt reduction strategy has led to a 26 percent reduction since 2009 and an 86 percent reduction over the last 10 years, the supervisor said.