DALLAS (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) Oct. 20, 2000-- Standard&Poor's today assigned its double-'A'-minus rating to Ector County, Texas' $2.28 million certificates of obligation series 2000 dated Oct. 15, 2000, due Feb. 15, 2010; and $620,000 tax notes series 2000A dated Oct. 15, 2000, due Aug. 15, 2003. The bonds and notes are scheduled to sell on Oct. 23, 2000. The outlook is stable. The rating is based on the limited-tax pledge of the county and reflects its: -- Economic base, which is concentrated in the oil and gas sector; -- Consistently strong financial performance and position; and -- Low overall debt burden coupled with a rapid amortization schedule. Located in west Texas in the Permian Basin region, Ector
