Site work has been underway at the home of the new Douglas County Justice Center. CORE Construction photo
With the impending March 18 sale of bonds to fund building a $50 million justice center, a check into Douglas County’s credit indicated it has received an ‘AA+’ long-term credit rating from S&P Global Ratings.
“This strong credit rating is a testament to Douglas County’s commitment to sound financial management and responsible governance by the Board of County Commissioners,” said County Manager Jenifer Davidson. “This rating allows us to continue to move forward with selling our bonds at the most favorable terms so that we will be able to construct the much-needed Justice Center in the most cost-effective way.”
In December 2024, the Douglas County commissioners approved ordinances authorizing the issuance of up to $51 million in general obligation and medium-term bonds, known as the "2025 Justice Center Bond Ordinances," to fund the construction of the Justice Center.
Through the two bond ordinances, the anticipated $37 million limited-tax general obligation Justice Center Bonds, Series 2025A, and the anticipated $14 million Medium-Term Bonds, Series 2025B, were assigned the rating. The report noted the outlook is stable.
These bonds are backed by consolidated tax revenues ensuring that no new taxes will be imposed on County residents to finance the project.
The ‘AA+’ rating is expected to result in lower interest rates, reducing borrowing costs, and maximizing taxpayer savings.
Douglas County’s ‘AA+’ General Obligation rating is supported by credit factors such as strong economic performance, strong fiscal health, and stable operating.
At her state of the county address, Davidson said the county has spent $16 million so far on the project. Construction could start as early as this summer with completion in fall 2026.
Douglas County courts have been housed in the Judicial & Law Enforcement Center built in 1982 when the county was home to 20,000 people. The building on Buckeye also is home to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Probation and the court clerks among other departments.
Concerns about the mingling of defendants and victims, jurors and plaintiffs and a lack of security for staff are just a few of the issues with the building, which is also home to the Douglas County Jail.