Gwinnett gets top credit ratings

Three credit rating agencies have renewed their top ratings for Gwinnett County government.

Moody's, Standard and Poor's and Fitch Ratings recently gave the county top marks as it seeks to take advantage of low interest rates and refinance a 2003 bond used to pay for a jail expansion. Gwinnett could save as much as $1.8 million in interest by refinancing the debt.

Among other things, Moody's cited Gwinnett's ample reserves, conservative budget assumptions and diligent budget monitoring. Gwinnett has maintained its top credit rating since 1997.