BOSTON (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) July 31, 2000-- Standard&Poor's today assigned its 'SP-1'-plus rating to Hopkinton, Mass.' $30.5 million BANs due Dec. 21, 2000. The BANs are scheduled to sell Aug. 9, 2000. The rating is based on demonstrated market access and strong credit fundamentals. The town's GO bond rating was raised to double-'A' from double-'A'-minus on July 12, 2000. The upgrade was based on: -- A relatively diverse and growing economic base complimenting access to the strong Boston metropolitan economy, -- Consistently favorable financial operations, -- Favorable debt position, and -- Above-average wealth and income levels and rising property values. Slightly offsetting these factors are higher, but still manageable, debt service charges. The bonds are secured by
