The County has credit ratings on its debt from Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's"), Standard and Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P"), and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”). Hillsborough County's general credit rating was upgraded in December, 2006 to "AAA" from “AA+" by S&P. This now gives the County general credit ratings of Aa1/AAA/AA+ from all three rating agencies: Moody's, S&P and Fitch. As stated in Moody's credit report for Hillsborough County, an improved credit rating reflects continued health, diversity and growth in the County's economy, strong tax base expansion, strong financial administration and a manageable debt position. The County's strategic goal is to maintain general credit ratings of at least Aa/AA/AA. All the County's credit ratings as of September 30, 2008 are shown in the following table. The County's high credit ratings are a notable achievement since they generally lead to lower interest costs on debt financings. The County's debt obligations are issued and administered in such a manner as to ensure and sustain long-term financial integrity of the County, and to achieve the highest possible credit ratings.