Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' rating, and stable outlook, to Plano, Texas' series 2005 GO refunding and improvement bonds. The rating reflects the city's: Deep, diversified economic and employment base; Significantly above-average wealth and income levels; Conservative and sophisticated financial and debt management policies, which include long-range budget and capital plans; Solid general fund reserve levels, which are augmented by additional reserves in various funds, providing significant revenue-raising flexibility; and Manageable debt levels, enhanced by rapid principal amortization with an increasing percent done as pay-as-you-go financing, and limited future debt needs. The city's full faith and credit pledge secures the bonds. Plano's estimated fiscal 2005 population of 247,000 indicates continued growth, though at a reduced rate from
