Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its long-term rating on Vernon County , Wis. 2013A general obligation (GO) refunding bonds to 'AA-' from 'A+'. The outlook is stable. "The upgrade reflects material new information on additional available reserves that had not been made available to us in the prior rating decision," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Kathryn Clayton. The rating reflects our assessment of the county's own creditworthiness, including its: Agriculture- and service-based local economy, Very strong level of reserves when including additional available funds outside of the general fund, and Moderate overall debt burden and rapid amortization. We consider the county's adequate, but below-average, income indicators as offsetting credit considerations. The county's full faith and credit pledge secures
