Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' long-term rating to Denton County, Texas' series 2012 permanent improvement and refunding bonds and series 2012 tax notes. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AAA' long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on the county's existing general obligation (GO) debt. The outlook on all the ratings is stable. The ratings continue to reflect the county's: Participation in the deep and diverse Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area; Stable economy and employment base, which features higher-education and public-sector employment opportunities and an expanding commercial sector; Very strong income and strong wealth levels; Good management practices and policies, which mitigate any long-term concerns regarding the county's ability to manage rapid population growth; Very strong
