...The 'AA+' Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) reflects Garland's (the city) weak demographic and economic trend and level metrics (24th percentile and 40th percentile composites, respectively), including median household income (MHI) metrics below the median of the Fitch Ratings local government rating portfolio. Garland's profile as a predominantly built out and historically somewhat industrial suburb of Dallas has resulted in fairly flat population trends at the 24th percentile of the Fitch portfolio. The 'aaa' financial resilience assessment continues to anchor Garland's very high credit quality. The assessment reflects an ample level of budgetary flexibility and assumes maintenance of unrestricted general fund reserves at least equal to 7.5% of spending. This positive credit factor is offset by the city's midrange long-term liability burden (56th percentile, composite), in addition to a midrange level of fixed carrying costs (about 14% of governmental expenditures; 56th percentile)...
