Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA' rating to Hopkinton, Mass.' general obligation (GO) bonds, and affirmed the 'AA' rating on the town's outstanding GO debt. The outlook is stable. The rating reflects the town's: Stable economy, complemented by its access to the employment opportunities in the greater Boston area; Affluent and primarily residential property tax base; and Favorable debt position. An offsetting factor is the town's recent trend of general fund deficits, which have reduced the general fund balance to 4% of expenditures from 9%, and the stabilization balance to less than 1% of expenditures from 9%. However, the fund balance remains adequate and management projects positive results for fiscal 2008. The town's full faith and credit pledge
