Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA-' rating, and stable outlook, to Washington County, Md.'s series 2007 public improvement GO bonds. The rating reflects the county's: Role as a regional employment center, with proximity to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore; Large tax base, which continues to exhibit healthy ongoing growth, coupled with no taxpayer concentration; Strong financial performance and position, bolstered by good reserve levels and established policies; and Low debt burden, with manageable future capital needs. These factors are partly tempered by wealth and income indicators that remain well below the state and national averages. The series 2007 and existing GO bonds are secured by the county's full faith and credit GO pledge. Proceeds from this issue will be
