Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its rating on the City of Fitchburg, Mass.' general obligation bonds (GO) to 'A+' from 'A-' based on our recently released local GO criteria. The outlook is stable. A pledge of the city's full faith credit secures these bonds. The rating reflects our assessment of the following factors: We consider Fitchburg's economy to be adequate, with projected per capita effective buying income at 78% of the U.S. and per capita market value of $52,000. The city also has access to the broad and diverse economy of Worcester County. The county unemployment rate for calendar year 2012 was 7.5% in 2012. In our opinion the city's budgetary flexibility remains strong with available general fund reserves
