Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' long-term rating, and stable outlook, to Denton County, Texas' series 2010 permanent improvement refunding bonds and affirmed its 'AAA' long-term rating and Standard&Poor's underlying rating (SPUR), with a stable outlook, on the county's existing GO debt. The ratings continue to reflect our assessment of the county's: Location at the northern edge of the growing Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan statistical area (MSA), coupled with a diverse economic and employment base; Sustained property tax base growth and diversification; Above-average income levels; Sound management practices and policies, which mitigate any long-term concerns regarding the county's ability to manage rapid population growth; and Continued sound financial performance. In our view, while overall debt ratios are
