OREANDA-NEWS. S&P Global Ratings raised its issuer credit rating (ICR) to 'A+' from 'A-' on Johnson County, Mo. At the same time, we raised our long-term rating to 'A' from 'BBB+' on the county's certificates of participation. The outlook is stable.

"The rating action reflects our view of the county's demonstrated ability to maintain structural balance, following budgetary adjustments in the county jail fund that we view as sustainable," said S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Benjamin Gallovic. "The structural balance has translated into an improvement in both budgetary performance and flexibility, both of which support the rating action, in our opinion."

The 'A+' ICR reflects our assessment of the following factors for the county:

Very weak economy, Adequate management, Strong budgetary performance, Very strong budgetary flexibility, Very strong liquidity, Very strong debt and contingent liability position, and Adequate institutional framework score.