Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' long-term rating to Polk County, Iowa's series 2012A general obligation (GO) bonds, series 2012B taxable GO refunding bonds, and series 2012C GO refunding bonds. At the same time, we affirmed our 'AAA' long-term and underlying ratings on the county's previously issued GO debt. The outlook is stable. The rating reflects our view of the county's: Strong and diverse local economy, anchored by the Des Moines, Iowa metropolitan area; Very strong general fund reserves; Strong financial management under our Financial Management Assessment (FMA) methodology; and Low overall debt burden. Revenue from the county's unlimited-tax GO pledge secures the bonds. We understand management plans to use the series 2012A bond proceeds for the completion
