NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) June 2, 2009--Standard&Poor's Rating Services has raised its underlying rating (SPUR) on Houston County, Ala.'s general obligation (GO) warrants to 'A+' from 'A', reflecting the county's consistently strong financial position and position as a regional economic center. The outlook is stable. The rating also reflects the county's low debt burden, coupled with limited additional capital needs. Offsetting rating factors include the county's concentrated property tax base and below-average income levels. The stable outlook reflects the county's position as a regional economic and service center. "We expect that the county will maintain its sound financial performance and position and that management will sustain low debt levels," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Daniel Cuddy.
