BOSTON (Standard&Poor's) July 1, 2010--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on Hopkinton, Mass.' general obligation (GO) debt one notch to 'AA+' from 'AA' based on the town's extremely strong economic characteristics, aided by ongoing commercial and industrial development, and improved financial position. The outlook is stable. In addition, Standard&Poor's assigned its 'AA+' long-term rating, and stable outlook, to the town's $3.799 million series 2010 GO municipal purpose bonds. Rating factors include the town's: Stable economy, complemented by its access to employment opportunities in the greater Boston area; Primarily residential property tax base, albeit with a growing commercial and industrial presence; Very strong household income levels and low unemployment compared
