Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'A+' rating to Washington County, Md.'s series 2005A public improvement and refunding bonds and affirmed its 'A+' rating on the county's outstanding GO bonds, reflecting: A local economy that continues to grow and diversify; A large tax base that continues to exhibit healthy ongoing growth, coupled with no taxpayer concentration; Good financial performance and position, bolstered by good reserve levels and established policies; and A moderate debt burden, with manageable future capital needs. These factors are partly tempered by wealth levels that are well below the state and U.S. averages. The series 2005 and outstanding GO bonds are secured by the county's full faith and credit GO pledge. Of the total series 2005
