The 'A' rating on the general obligation warrants issued by Houston County, Ala. is affirmed. The rating reflects the county's: Position as a regional economic center for southeast Alabama; Sound financial performance and position; and Low debt burden coupled with limited future capital needs. Offsetting rating factors include a concentrated property tax base and below average income levels. The warrants are secured by the full faith and credit of the county. Houston County (population 91,500) and the county seat of Dothan serve as a regional trade and health care center for the surrounding rural counties within Alabama, and for parts of Florida and Georgia. Leading employers in the area include several regional hospitals, Sony Magnetic Tape Products, Purdue Farms Inc.,
