Plano, Texas' bonds are secured by the full faith and credit of the city. The rating upgrade on the bonds reflects: Continuing strong assessed value (AV) growth enabling a tax rate decrease, Conservative financial management and consistently strong general fund and other reserves, and Declining debt levels on a percent of market value basis with rapid principal amortization. Other factors include the city's location in the Dallas MSA and significantly above-average wealth and income levels. In southwest Collin County, Texas, Plano is about 20 miles north of Dallas, Texas. The estimated population (219,000 in 1999) has grown 70% since the 1990 census, resulting in escalating building permits and strong residential construction activity. Total AV continues to expand, rising almost $1.7
