Standard&Poor's Ratings Services revised its outlook to stable from negative and affirmed its 'A' rating on Atlanta, Ga.'s water and sewer revenue bonds. The outlook revision reflects what we consider to be improvement regarding the immediate risks associated with the system, although longer term risks remain. The 'A' rating reflects our opinion of the system's: Adequate financial operations, debt service coverage, and liquidity position; The passage of multiyear rate increases needed to meet increased debt service costs together with voter approval of the Municipal Options Sales Tax to further support operations; A large and diverse retail and wholesale water and wastewater customer base; and Significant progress in addressing consent and administrative orders. Partially offsetting factors include our view
