Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has raised its underlying rating (SPUR) on the town of Groton, Mass.' general obligation (GO) debt to 'AA' from 'A+'. At the same time, Standard&Poor's assigned its 'AA' long-term rating to the town's series 2010 GO refunding bonds. Standard&Poor's based the upgrade on the town's stable economic measures and continuously consistent financial position in the face of budgetary pressures stemming from the economy. Additional factors in support of the rating include Groton's: Primarily residential tax base, with access to employment opportunities in and around the deep and diverse Boston employment base; Above-average wealth and income level indicators; Good financial reserves; and Low overall net debt burden. Groton, with an estimated population
