Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has raised its underlying rating (SPUR) on the town of Groton, Mass.' general obligation (GO) debt to 'AA+' from 'AA'. At the same time, we assigned our 'AA+' long-term rating to the town's 2013 GO fire station bonds. The outlook on all the ratings is stable. The upgrade follows a review of the town's financial policies and practices, which we have determined are strong, well embedded, and likely sustainable. Additional factors in support of the rating include Groton's: Primarily residential tax base, with access to jobs in and around the deep and diverse Boston employment base; Very strong wealth and incomes and low unemployment; Stable budgetary performance and strong financial reserves; and A moderate overall
