Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its general obligation (GO) rating on the Town of Franklin, Mass. to 'AA+' from 'AA' based on our local GO criteria released Sept. 12, 2013. The outlook is stable. Limited ad valorem taxes levied on taxable property within Franklin secure the GO bonds. The rating reflects our assessment of the following factors for the town, specifically: We consider the town's economy to be very strong, with projected per capita effective buying income at 135% as a percent of that of the U.S. and per capita market value of $133,544. Franklin, with an estimated population of 32,000, is about 28 miles from New England's largest cities: Boston; Worcester, Mass.; and Providence, R.I. The town also
