Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA+' standard long-term rating, and stable outlook, to Williamson County, Texas' pass-through toll revenue and limited tax bonds series 2009. The rating reflects the county general obligation (GO) tax pledge to make up debt service payments if Texas Department of Transportation payments are insufficient. At the same time, we affirmed the 'AA+' standard long-term rating and the underlying rating (SPUR) on the parity debt outstanding. The outlook is stable. We upgraded the county to 'AA+' from 'AA' on Nov. 25, 2008, when we reviewed it in a Texas County criteria report card (see article "Criteria Updates And Financial Stability Lead To Rating Upgrades For Many Texas Counties," published Nov. 25, 2008, on RatingsDirect).
