...S&P Global Ratings assigned its '##' long-term rating to Mahoning County, Ohio's series 2017 various purpose sales tax-supported improvement bonds. At the same time, we affirmed our '##' long-term rating on the county's sales tax-supported bonds outstanding. The outlook is stable. The series 2017 bonds are secured by a pledge of the county's 0.50% sales and use tax levied throughout Mahoning County. The sales tax was authorized by voters in 2007 to provide additional general revenues for the county, and has no expiration nor is subject to repeal. The pledged sales taxes do not have any unique factors or risks, because they represent a tax paid to the county from the sales of certain goods and services. Proceeds for the bonds will finance various improvements and equipment purchases for different departments within the county. The 2017 bonds are on parity with the county's series 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016 sales tax bonds. The rating reflects our assessment of the following factors:...
