S&P Global Ratings raised its long-term rating to 'A' from 'A-' on North Platte, Neb.'s general obligation (GO) bonds outstanding. The outlook is stable. The city's unlimited-tax GO pledge secures its GO debt. The rating action reflects our view of the city's improved financial position over the past few fiscal years, including positive operations throughout the pandemic. The city has produced positive general fund results in the past three audited years, and anticipates an additional surplus in fiscal 2021. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials reduced expenditures in fiscal 2020 to offset potential sales tax declines, but the overall decline in revenue was not as severe as anticipated: less than a 1% decline. The strong operational results in recent
