On Tuesday, January 5, the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners elected Bert A. Spearman, Sr. to serve as the County Commissioner representing District 17. The seat recently became vacant with the resignation of Joe Wray due to health reasons. Spearman was sworn into office by County Clerk Chuck Kizer following Tuesday’s election. Spearman, a certified residential real estate appraiser, said he was honored to have been elected to the office. “I commend Commissioner Wray for his years of service to the citizens of the 17th District,” Spearman said. “I look forward to working with the rest of the county commission as I represent the 17th District.”
Lawrence County has been assigned an A+ bond rating by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services following a recent review.
Standard & Poor’s Rating Services assigned the long-term rating to the series 2010 general obligation school refunding and improvement bonds approved by the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners in November. Standard & Poor’s said the county’s outlook is stable.
The previous rating was Baa1. The upgrade represents a favorable change of two levels. This is the first time Lawrence County has received an A+ rating.
Proceeds of the bond will be used to refund previously issued obligations and to finance improvements to the county’s school facilities.
Improvements will be made to expand facilities at Ethridge, South Lawrence, and Summertown elementary schools under a cost-sharing partnership between the county and the school system.
Financial advisors estimate the county will save approximately $462,000 through the refinancing move.
According to County Executive Paul Rosson, this upgraded bond rating is a result of due diligence on the part of the county commission in conjunction with the administration. “Together, we have dealt with many long-standing hurdles,” Rosson said. “I commend the commission and our office of accounts & budgets for keeping an eye upon the future.”
On Tuesday, January 5, the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners elected Bert A. Spearman, Sr. to serve as the County Commissioner representing District 17. The seat recently became vacant with the resignation of Joe Wray due to health reasons. Spearman was sworn into office by County Clerk Chuck Kizer following Tuesday’s election. Spearman, a certified residential real estate appraiser, said he was honored to have been elected to the office. “I commend Commissioner Wray for his years of service to the citizens of the 17th District,” Spearman said. “I look forward to working with the rest of the county commission as I represent the 17th District.”