Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its rating on Orange County, N.C.'s general obligation (GO) debt one notch to 'AAA' from 'AA+'. The outlook is stable. At the same time, Standard&Poor's raised its rating on the county's appropriation-backed debt one notch to 'AA+' from 'AA'. The outlook is stable. The upgrade reflects our assessment of the county's ability to address its capital needs while consistently maintaining, what we consider, sound operations and strong finances. Standard&Poor's also assigned its 'AAA' rating and stable outlook to the county's series 2012 GO refunding bonds. The 'AAA' rating reflects our opinion of the county's: Stable, diverse economy, anchored in education and health care services; Stable property tax base, contributing to
