Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has assigned its 'AAA' long-term rating to Denton County, Texas' series 2011 permanent improvement refunding bonds and affirmed its '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 continue to reflect 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. While overall debt ratios are moderately high, the direct debt
