NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) April 1, 2014--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its rating on Washington County, Md.'s general obligation (GO) bonds one notch to 'AA+' from 'AA' based on Standard&Poor's local GO criteria, published Sept. 12, 2013, on RatingsDirect. The outlook is stable. The upgrade also reflects Standard&Poor's opinion of the county's continued strong financial performance, supported by strong management policies and practices. "We believe the county will likely maintain its stable and diverse area economy, which continues to experience modest economic development. We also believe, what we consider, the county's history of strong financial performance, supported by strong management policies and practices, has helped it maintain very strong budgetary flexibility and liquidity," said
