Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' long-term rating to Denton County, Texas' series 2013 permanent improvement and refunding bonds, permanent improvement and refunding taxable bonds, and tax notes. At the same time, we affirmed our 'AAA' long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on the county's existing general obligation (GO) debt. The outlook on all the ratings is stable. The ratings reflect the county's: Participation in the deep and diverse Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan statistical area (MSA); Stable economy and employment base, which features higher education and public sector jobs, and an expanding commercial sector; Very strong incomes and strong wealth; Good management practices and policies, which mitigate any long-term concerns regarding the county's ability to manage rapid population growth;
