Stearns County taxpayers will save money thanks to an upgrade to the county’s bond. Standard & Poor’s announced they have raised Stearns County’s bond rating from a AA to a AA+, which is only one level from the highest mark. The county’s management practice also was raised from a rating of standard to good. The news is beneficial to taxpayers because with the higher bond rating, interest rates dip, meaning residents can pay off loans or bonds quicker.