Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' rating to Huntsville, Ala.'s series 2013B general obligation (GO) refunding warrants and affirmed its 'AAA' rating on the city's existing GO debt. The outlook on all the ratings is stable. The rating reflects our opinion of the city's: Growing service area economy that, despite the recession, has continued to expand and that is poised for additional military-related employment; Extremely strong wealth with strong incomes; Strong growth and a continually diversifying property tax base, coupled with some dependence on the military, aerospace, and electronic industries; Historically very strong finances, supported by strong management practices; and Moderate overall debt. The city's full-faith-and-credit pledge secures the warrants. Officials intend to use warrant proceeds to refinance
