Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA+' standard long-term rating, and stable outlook, to Huntsville, Ala.'s series 2007A GO warrants and affirmed its 'AA+' standard long-term rating and Standard&Poor's underlying rating (SPUR), with a stable outlook, on the city's preexisting GO debt. The ratings reflect the city's: Above-average wealth and income levels and below-average unemployment rates; Strong growth and continually diversifying property tax base, coupled with some dependence on the military, aerospace, and electronic industries; Solid financial performance and good management practices, characterized by operating surpluses and healthy reserves; and Moderate overall debt levels. The high annual debt service requirements, currently about 17.7% of annual expenditures, mitigate these factors. The city's full faith and credit pledge secures
