In Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' opinion, the 'AA' long-term rating assigned to Washington County, Md.'s series 2009 public improvement and refunding bonds and the 'AA' long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on the county's preexisting GO parity debt reflect: The county's role as a regional employment center, with commutable proximity to Washington D.C. and Baltimore offering residents additional economic and employment opportunities; A large and very diverse tax base that continues to exhibit healthy ongoing growth as a result of continued commercial development and despite the national economic downturn; Continued improvement in the county's financial position, which includes increased reserve levels and strengthened management practices over the past several years, coupled with improved per capita market values; and A
