Ralston officials share how they improved the citys bond rating [Video]

RALSTON, Neb. (WOWT) – The financial health of Ralston was in question after they put up a $53 million arena that loses money on average every year.

Even so, a popular financial investment grading scale, the S&P, gave Ralston good marks.

“I was really excited to see us go all the way up to an A,” said Mayor Don Groesser.

In 2016, Ralston’s credit rating dropped to a BB.

Since then, city officials worked to bounce back. Ralston city administrator Rick Hoppe shared how a conservatively managed budget helped.

“Every department in the city has had to make some sacrifice in terms of personnel. That’s been important. We haven’t been able to build as much infrastructure as quickly as we would like,” said Hoppe.

A good credit rating is a sign to lenders the city is safe to invest in. In two years, the city raised its credit rating by five levels. In the latest rating, the city is …