Standard&Poor's Ratings Services revised its outlook on Atlanta, Ga.'s GO debt rating to positive from stable, citing the city's improved finances stemming from conservative budgeting of revenues, a reduction in headcount, and continued tight expenditure controls. The outlook also reflects the steps taken by city management to rebuild reserves while continuing to build on a track record of maintaining balanced financial operations. At the same time, Standard&Poor's assigned its 'AA-' rating to the city's new $8 million GO bonds and affirmed its 'AA-' rating on the city's GO debt, reflecting: A diversified regional economic base with stabilized employment trends; A trend of operating surpluses leading to sound reserve levels; Conservative management practices that include budgeting for
