Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has assigned its 'A+' long-term rating to Bethel, Minn.'s series 2012A general obligation (GO) refunding bonds. The outlook is stable. The rating reflects our assessment of the city's: Stable local economy with access to the Minneapolis metropolitan area's diverse economy; Strong income levels and strong market value per capita; Very strong reserves as a percent of general fund expenditures, albeit low on a nominal basis; and Moderate overall debt burden. The city's unlimited GO pledge secures the bonds. Officials intend to use bond proceeds to current refund the city's series 2003 GO sewer revenue refunding bonds and series 2003 GO improvement bonds and crossover refund the series 2004 GO sewer revenue bonds on Feb. 1,
