...NEW YORK (S&P Global Ratings) Sept. 4, 2018--S&P Global Ratings raised its long-term rating on Mahoning County, Ohio's existing general (GO) bonds to '##-' from 'A+'. The outlook is stable. In addition, we assigned our 'SP-1+' short-term rating to the county's 2018 GO various-purpose notes. We also affirmed our 'SP-1+' rating on its existing bond anticipation notes (BANs). "The raised rating reflects our opinion of the county's ability to adjust to changes in revenues while continuing to achieve positive financial operations and grow its reserves driven by its conservative budgeting and strength of management," said S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Moreen Skyers-Gibbs. It also reflects our view that this will continue over our two-year outlook horizon given the city's track record. The notes are secured by the county's full faith credit and resources and an agreement to levy ad valorem property taxes within state limitations (i.e., a limited-tax GO pledge). It is our understanding that...
