Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its rating on Washington County, Md.'s general obligation (GO) bonds one notch to 'AA+' from 'AA' based on Standard&Poor's local GO criteria, published Sept. 12, 2013, on RatingsDirect. The outlook is stable. The upgrade also reflects Standard&Poor's opinion of the county's continued strong financial performance, supported by strong management policies and practices. The county's full-faith-and-credit GO pledge secures the bonds. The rating reflects our opinion of the following factors for the county: We view Washington County's economic profile as strong. The 460-square-mile county, with a population estimate of 149,277, is in western Maryland, bordering Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The county includes nine incorporated municipalities, the largest of which is the
