FORT COLLINS - The City of Fort Collins has been assigned a credit rating of AAA by Moody's Investors Services with a stable outlook.

Only 4.8 percent of the governments rated by Moody's receive the AAA designation, according to a news release from the city.

"Fort Collins has weathered the recession better than many communities throughout the country," said Darin Atteberry, city manager. "This top rating from Moody's reflects our dedication to sound financial management and wise use of debt services."

The AAA issuer rating reflects a stable local economy supported by the presence of CSU, sound wealth levels typical of a college town, a large tax base, favorable debt levels and sound fiscal operations, according to Moody's.

The stable outlook reflects the city's stabilized financial performance, due in part to additional revenues from the Keep Fort Collins Great tax initiative, Moody's said.