Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'A' underlying rating (SPUR) and stable outlook on Houston County, Ala.'s series 2004 GO warrants. The rating reflects the county's: Position as southeast Alabama's regional economic center; Sound financial performance and position; and Low debt burden, coupled with limited future capital needs. Offsetting rating factors include the county's: Concentrated property tax base, and Below-average income levels. The county's full faith and credit pledge secures the warrants. Houston County, with a population of about 94,000 and the county seat of Dothan, Ala. serves as a regional trade and health care center for Alabama's surrounding rural counties, as well as parts of Florida and Georgia. Leading area employers include several regional hospitals, Sony Magnetic Tape
