The Standard&Poor's underlying rating (SPUR) on Polk County, Iowa's GO bonds has been raised to 'AAA' from 'AA+', based on a continued trend of steady economic growth and the implementation of long-term planning tools. The rating also reflects the following credit factors: Participation in the strong and diverse Des Moines, Iowa MSA economy; A stable financial position supported by a policy to pass balanced budgets; and Low debt burden. Polk County forms the base of the Des Moines MSA, which is a growing and diversified regional economic center in central Iowa. A number of firms in the insurance and financial services sectors anchor the county's substantial employment base. Leading employers with more than 5,000 employees are: Wells Fargo
