Tuckahoe bond rating upgraded to AA+

The village of Tuckahoe is proud to announce that S&P Global Ratings upgraded the village’s bond rating from AA to AA+ while concurrently assigning a stable outlook. Tuckahoe’s new AA+ rating will assist the Village by reducing interest payments on future debt.

“I am thrilled to hear that S&P has upgraded our bond rating,” said Mayor Omayra Andino. “It’s an indication of our strong fiscal stewardship despite the myriad of challenges faced in the past few years! Strong bond ratings allow us to be more flexible and efficient in financial policymaking by enhancing our ability to borrow and invest in our community.”

In announcing the upgrade, the rating agency cited Tuckahoe’s continued growth, healthy reserves, and strong budgetary performance. In particular, the report notes Tuckahoe’s substantial reserves, which over the past five years have grown by more than $700,000. Furthermore, the report cites several positive local economic indicators in the Village and a series of conservative budgeting practices coupled with regular budget monitoring by the administration as reasons for the upgrade.

“I applaud these students for the care and concern they have for their classmates and for their efforts to encourage all young people to live healthy lives,” Latimer said. “The work that we do on behalf of our County’s youth is stronger because of their input and contributions.”

About 30 students recently attended the taskforce’s last meeting of this school year, which was held at the Michaelian County office Building in White Plains. Latimer heard their perspectives on teen vaping, alcohol use, marijuana use and other substance abuse issues.

The Youth Leadership Taskforce is part of the Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth and is coordinated by Student Assistance Services in conjunction with the County’s Office of Drug Prevention and STOP-DWI. The taskforce is charged with contributing ideas for countywide substance use prevention strategies and implementing those strategies in members’ schools and local communities.

“We thank and honor our student leaders for their commitment to be positive influencers for their peers and make a difference in the County and their local communities. Their message to remain drug free and make healthy choices helps to foster physical and emotional well-being among their fellow students,” said Patricia McCarthy Tomassi, director of the Office of Drug Prevention and STOP-DWI.

A main focus for the youth taskforce this year was a ‘marijuana awareness campaign’ that was targeted for release around April 20. While that date has been associated with using marijuana, many schools designate it as “Healthy Brain Day” to remind students of the health risks of marijuana use by youth.

The taskforce is also part of the Westchester County Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth—the “umbrella” coalition for the approximately 25 local community substance use prevention coalitions in the county.