Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA' long-term rating to Washington County, Md.'s series 2012 public improvement and refunding bonds and affirmed its 'AA' long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on the county's general obligation (GO) parity debt. The rating reflects our assessment of the county's: Role as a regional employment center with commutable access to Washington and Baltimore offering residents additional economic and employment opportunities; Large and very diverse property tax base that continues to experience modest growth due to continued commercial development despite the national economic downturn; Solid financial position coupled with historically very strong reserves; Strong management team that maintains very conservative and well adhered to fiscal policies, which have been further strengthened over the past
