The Bradley County Audit Committee meeting on February 4, 2025, focused on the county's financial health and debt management, revealing significant insights into the county's fiscal position.

During the meeting, officials reported that Bradley County has a total outstanding debt of approximately $59.7 million. Notably, the county successfully reduced its debt by $7.6 million over the past year. Of the remaining debt, $51 million is allocated for educational purposes, with $38.3 million designated for county schools and $13.3 million for city schools. This allocation follows the proportional borrowing guidelines based on Average Daily Attendance (ADA) for both school systems.

The audit also highlighted the county's strong credit ratings, maintaining a "double A2" rating from Moody's and a "double A" from Standard and Poor's. These ratings reflect the county's sound financial management and stability.

Another key point discussed was the unassigned fund balance in the general fund, which stands at $12.7 million, representing 27% of the budget. While some community members have expressed concerns that this fund balance is excessive, officials noted that their target is 25%, indicating a commitment to maintaining a healthy financial reserve.

Overall, the meeting underscored Bradley County's efforts to manage its debt responsibly while ensuring adequate funding for essential services, particularly in education. The next steps will likely involve continued monitoring of the county's financial strategies to maintain fiscal health and meet community needs.