ALLIANCE ‒ The city's finances are definitely better after years of struggle, highlighted by a recent change to its credit score.

City Auditor Kevin Knowles told City Council on Nov. 17 that Moody's upgraded the city's credit rating from A2 to A1 − a notch below the highest level.

"This is good news," Knowles said. The credit rating agency notified city officials on Nov. 3 in a letter.

He said the rating upgrade helps the city with loans and to issue bonds on projects, making the city a better risk for potential investors.

"I remember when we were downgraded a couple times," Knowles said.

For six years, the city was on fiscal watch with the Ohio Auditor of State's Office after City Council in May 2018 missed a deadline to fix budget issues.

The stressful chapter finally ended in Dece

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